Manchester United’s senior players weren’t shy in keeping Cristiano Ronaldo grounded during his first glittering spell at Old Trafford.

According to one of Ronaldo’s former teammates, the leaders in the squad had little time for his flicks and tricks - and were quick to act whenever they felt he went too far.

Former Italy international Giuseppe Rossi was at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2007, signing a year after Ronaldo joined from Sporting Lisbon.

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He paid tribute to his old teammate and described the Portugal star as “awesome.”

Rossi, who went on to play for Villarreal and Fiorentina, was impressed with Ronaldo’s work ethic and desire to be the best - and he reckons the attitude of United’s senior players helped him achieve his dream of becoming one of the most recognisable faces on the planet.

“Off the field, he was fun,” said Rossi, at the launch of Ladbrokes' ‘Gaffer of all Accas’. “He was always kidding around, which was great.

“And then you get onto the field, and he just transformed into this guy that wanted to take on the whole world. I feel like that's a very unique way of going after your work, day to day.

“He wanted to be the best, but because of the leaders we had in that team, if he was getting too fancy, players would make sure that he would feel a kick, you know?

“These are all learning curves in a young player's career, and I'm sure he would tell you that these people who were the leaders in that team, helped him become the player he went on to be.

“But, also, the work that he put in by himself was something I've never seen before. All the success he has, and everything that he's done, is all because of hard work.

“I feel like his is a story that should be told to many young kids, because talent is never enough; it's also the effort that you put in.”

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