Wayne hated the gym... that's why he didn't get near Ronaldo! Ex-United coach blasts Rooney ahead of meeting with Moyes



Wayne Rooney has been criticised by former Manchester United fitness coach Mick Clegg, who claims the England star was never as good as Cristiano Ronaldo because he hated going to the gym.

The 27-year-old has had doubts cast over him for several years regarding his fitness, and ahead of his crucial meeting with David Moyes, Clegg has a few ideas as to why the England star has somewhat fallen from grace.

Clegg told The Sun: 'Wayne didn’t see the importance of the gym really. He’d say, "I’m here to play football". I always wish I could have pushed Wayne that bit further.'

Different class: Clegg revealed Rooney was reluctant to train in the gym through fear of bulking up too much

Beefed up: How Cristiano Ronaldo has transformed from skinny kid to powerhouse, with 2004 (left), 2007 (right)



Nearly there: Ronaldo's torso was shaping up in 2009 (left) before reaching its current state (right)



Rooney and Ronaldo blossomed at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2009, before the Portugal star left for Real Madrid.



Rooney has been hot and cold since, and Clegg claims the England star did not want to work out as much as other players.

'Wayne was always a big lad and was afraid of bulking up if he spent too much time in the gym.

'That’s what set Cristiano Ronaldo apart. He would do whatever training I prescribed and more.



'He lived and breathed football 24/7 and his dedication was phenomenal.

'Wayne could still be as good as Cristiano if he emulated his attitude to the gym — he is an amazing athlete when he puts his mind to it.'

Form pair: Rooney worked superbly well with Ronaldo before the Portuguese star left in 2009

Living it large: Rooney was seen drinking at Glastonbury at the weekend



Rooney was last seen enjoying himself at Glastonbury with a pint of cider, and faces a tough time during pre-season to impress new boss Moyes.

And he faces the first test of his relationship with Moyes today - when he steps on the scales.



United’s players are due to return to Carrington today as they undergo their pre-season medical and fitness tests, and Moyes will be keeping a firm eye on Rooney - after last year’s rigorous assessments proved the England man to be as much as half a stone overweight.



Rooney will be hoping to avoid a repeat of 12 months ago, where his pre-season struggles resulted in his poor performance in a 1-0 defeat at Everton on the opening day.

Sir Alex Ferguson dropped him for United’s next game at home to Fulham. Robin van Persie took Rooney’s place – and the plaudits. In his post match interview, the manager admitted that the player’s fitness was ‘a bit behind’ that of the others.

Fitness doubts: Rooney's weight has been a constant point of concern



Some involved at United believe Rooney has lost the edge and instinctiveness that made him such an explosive partner for Ronaldo at Manchester United.



Even after Ronaldo's departure, Rooney improved and there was a period in the 2009-10 season - including a magnificent Rooney performance as United beat AC Milan in the San Siro - when the forward was genuinely world class.



But for a player that is earning £250,000 a week, those moments were few and far between.



The Barclays Premier League champions are entitled to expect more.

