A Premier League legend says Cristiano Ronaldo is facing unfair criticism as he should not be blamed for his desire to play Champions League football next season.

Ronaldo sent a transfer request to Man United officials asking them to let him go incas they receive a good offer.

So far, the club and Erik ten Hag stand against the five-time Ballon d’or winner’s departure even though his agent Jorge Mendes continues to find him a new club.

Many say Cristiano Ronaldo should not leave the Red Devils while they’re going down and should help them in qualifying back to the Champions League.

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However, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler said the 37-year old did what he was signed for which is to score goals.

“[…] He’s in the firing line at Manchester United right now and I find that unfair”, Fowler wrote in his column for the Mirror.

“We got the narrative that he doesn’t press, he won’t run back, he’s upset the apple cart. They were all criticisms levelled at him. Ronaldo was never going to press and harry defenders, it’s not his game – and certainly not at 37.

“He did what he was signed to do – score goals. He was let down by those around him and I certainly wouldn’t have a go at him if he wants to go and play Champions League football.

“Sometimes, when you are coming to the end, you want your cake and eat it too. Ronaldo has got an ego and the Champions League is all he’s ever known.

“So you can’t blame him for not being thrilled to be in the Europa League. That’s not what he signed up for. If he can get a Champions League team, he’ll have to be realistic about his wages.

“[…] United’s failure last season was no fault of Ronaldo’s. Loyalty is a two way street and it annoys me when it’s always the player that gets it in the neck in these situations. Ronaldo deserves better than that from United“, Fowler added.

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