Cristiano Ronaldo survived brutal test at Man Utd as current stars told they 'wouldn't last five minutes'

Manchester United's current stars have been told they "wouldn't survive" the brutal test Cristiano Ronaldo passed.

Alan Smith shared a dressing room with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at United but before that he was part of a Leeds side who subjected Ronaldo to seriously rough treatment at Elland Road.

In October 2003 Ronaldo played 90 minutes in a 1-0 win achieved by a Roy Keane header in the 81st minute.

But he was on the receiving end of a number of shocking challenges which Smith believes are no longer present in the game.

The 43-year-old was comparing Alejandro Garnacho's development to idol Ronaldo's progression in his early days at United.

Smith, speaking via 1337.games/online-casinos/, said: "I feel like Garnacho's trying to push himself, and there’s definitely been an improvement this year from last year. I feel like he’s been able to take the hits and his getting used to the physical side of the game has been a massive improvement."

Image: Getty

Asked about whether he thinks Garnacho gets kicked in training like Ronaldo did in his early days in a bid to "toughen him up", Smith added: "I hope not! I can’t see it. I remember when Ronaldo came to Elland Road with United when I was at Leeds, and the tackles that were going in on him – people wouldn’t survive 5 minutes now.

"There’s a lot more protection to let the so called flair players exist.

"Garnacho has a long way to go, but he looks like he has the right mentality to want to work and learn, which is good."

Image: Getty

The Argentine enjoyed a breakthrough season in the United first-team last season and achieved his dream of playing alongside his role model.

Still performing Ronaldo's celebrations even after his departure, Garnacho has been a key player for Erik ten Hag's side this season with seven goals and four assists in all competitions.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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