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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
James Findlater

Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo exit in 2009 began Manchester United decline

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United have been in decline ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in 2009.

Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid for a then-world-record fee, having won his first Ballon d’Or the previous year as United won a Premier League and Champions League double.

The Portuguese superstar sealed a dramatic return last summer, 12 years on from his departure, but has so far been unable to help return his club to its former glories with United’s hopes of silverware this season all-but over following their FA Cup exit to Middlesbrough.

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