It has been revealed that an unnamed Manchester United forward was always passing the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo in order to receive praise from the Portugal icon.

The Athletic reports that the player in question, an attacking player, finished every attack trying to please the Portugal captain.

Ronaldo made a sensational return to Old Trafford after 12 years, joining from Juventus in the summer of 2021.

After scoring over 24 goals in his first season, the football icon and five-time Ballon d’Or winner fell out with the club in his season at Old Trafford.

He finally granted an explosive interview to Piers Morgan where he slammed the club, its management and manager Erik ten Hag and even his fellow players.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford shortly before the World Cup after his contract was terminated and joined Saudi Professional League side Al-Nassr.

“Nobody disputes that his personal preparation was anything short of exemplary. Yet it is also clear that United players first felt in awe of Ronaldo and then grew to cower a little in his presence. The authority and power base of those such as Solskjaer and Maguire ebbed away,” the newspaper said.

“At one stage, the club’s video analysts sought to find an explanation as to why an attacking United player was struggling for form and they concluded the player was spending every attack trying to pass the ball to Ronaldo in order to receive praise from the Portuguese icon.”