Roy Keane aims Ronaldo jibe at Ian Wright amid criticism of Man Utd star's style

Roy Keane has poked fun at those who criticise Cristiano Ronaldo for his lack of pressing.

The Manchester United No 7 returned to Old Trafford in the summer following 12 years away.

His goal record speaks for itself and he has continued to find the net in Manchester, but it is his work off the ball that has been highlighted as the Red Devils struggle to perform.

Pressing has become a hallmark of the modern game but United have rarely implement such a philosophy.

Ronaldo's position in attack makes defending from the front difficult, but some have defended the Portuguese star.

Keane played with a young Ronaldo and saw him score in the FA Cup final back in 2004.

The Irishman and Ian Wright were reminiscing about that success, before the former United captain took his opportunity to defend his former teammate.

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Wright told ITV: "When you watched Ronaldo at that stage, there is no way that you could have dreamt about what he has become.

"Obviously Roy would know because he saw him day-to-day, but you could see what he could be capable of. You could see it in those games and at that time."

Keane then pipped up: "Strangely enough, that day, he didn't do too much pressing!"

The Irishman has defended Ronaldo throughout the season.

He was benched for the draw with Chelsea in December, a decision that Keane criticised, and felt that the rest of the United team needed to make up for Ronaldo's lack of work rate because of what he will give them in the final third.

"He's a world-class player, the idea Ronaldo will close people down he's not," said Kane.

"But sometimes you have to work around the superstar. I played with players who don't do their bit, the Cantonas of the world, but you forgive him because they will score and win the matches. He could've played easily."

Questions were asked when Ralf Rangnick arrived as to whether Ronaldo would be able to suit his style.

The German arrived with a reputation for a high-press, but he had no doubts about the capabilities of the 36-year-old.

Rangnick said: "You always have to adapt your style to suit the players you have, not vice-versa. Seeing Ronaldo at 36 in the second half; amazing, top professional.

"I have never seen anyone as fit at 36. He is still a player who can still make the difference."

Ronaldo has continued to start in attack under Rangnick.