Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood's relationship continues to fray after the Portugal star hit out at Manchester United's youngsters.
The forward called out his teammates' below-par attitude this season and took aim at the squad's young core for their discrepancies on the mental side of their game.
He told Sky Sports: "If I give you advice, even if you are younger than me, if you don't implant that during your daily life, it will be difficult.
"I can speak all day with that person, but if it's not coming from inside of you, it's impossible. I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, some older players spoke with me, but I put that as: 'Cristiano, you have to improve — they know more than you, they are more experienced than you, they passed through many bad moments.'
"But other people, they don't accept that, if you criticize them. I don't say this in relation to our players, but in general. I have kids, I know. Sometimes when you're a little bit harder, they do the opposite, so you have to find the right balance to speak with them."
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It's not the first time that Ronaldo has singled out United's young players either, having a go at them before their 5-0 drubbing against Liverpool at Old Trafford, suggesting there is some unrest within the dressing room, particularly among the senior players.
As quoted by DAZN via The Telegraph, Ronaldo said: “I don’t mean only in football, this new generation since probably 1995 they are thinking different.
"The life, the football, the struggles, this has to come from inside of you. You have to accept some times that you don’t agree with."
Several members of United's squad were born after 1995, including Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Diogo Dalot, Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Dean Henderson, Donny van de Beek and Greenwood.
Ronaldo didn't specifically mention Greenwood but the likelihood is that he is one of the players he was referencing on both occasions given his fractured relationship with the United rising star.
The pair have not been able to develop an understanding together on the pitch with a clear lack of synergy.
Ronaldo was supposedly annoyed at Greenwood's tendency to shoot rather than supplying him with a scoring opportunity when they have been paired together this season, which has been few and far between, as the latter's role has been reduced this year.
Greenwood is 'upset' with his lack of playing time and the fact Ronaldo is always the first name on the teamsheet, according to El Nacional, as a result.
It seems there is friction between the pair as the report also says Greenwood is not happy with the way the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has assumed control of the Man United dressing room in such a short space of time.
Ronaldo's latest outburst will only have added fuel to the fire.
And The Athletic claims the comments were not appreciated by his United teammates.
Several young players feel the forward can be difficult to talk to and that Edinson Cavani, even in broken English, is more approachable.
At least one senior player, who typically nurtures the youngsters, fully supported Ronaldo's stance, however, and believes some tough love was essential.
Ronaldo supposedly means well from his brash approach and doesn't have any hard feelings towards Greenwood.
The report states that the Portugal captain is just trying to get the best out of him as he believes the 'world is his oyster' if he can apply himself further.
Greenwood has rediscovered his form in recent weeks as he netted the opening goal in a 3-1 win over Brentford, his first Premier League strike since October.
Ronaldo played an instrumental part in the build-up as he exquisitely chested the ball to Bruno Fernandes who set up Greenwood for a simple tap-in.
