Arsenal hero Nigel Winterburn admits he was "shocked" by Cristiano Ronaldo's actions last week against Tottenham.
Ronaldo was dropped by United manager Erik ten Hag and banished from first team training after he left Old Trafford before the final whistle of victory over Tottenham - despite being among the substitutes.
The Portuguese great was dropped and banished by Ten Hag for the draw at Chelsea before being recalled for the Europa League win against FC Sheriff, a match in which he scored.
Speaking to Tribalfootball.com on behalf of FreeSuperTips, Winterburn admits Ronaldo's behaviour came as a shock at the time: "I think initially I would have shocked because you're talking about Ronaldo who has been and still is one of the best around, so that will always be his legacy.
"Even when he retires, he will still be classed as one of the two best players to have played the game along with Messi.
"I don't think anyone else has been near them for that length of time, so that would shock me with what happened.
"I don't know if I would have said something to him because you don't always know the full story or the reasons to why that may have happened.
"But I was very surprised that someone of his magnitude would do that, and I think now it becomes a bit of an issue for Manchester United."
Indeed, Winterburn feels with the spotlight on Ronaldo and his relationship with Ten Hag, it could become a problem for the remaining weeks before the World Cup breakup.
He added, "You know the press and the media will now be watching his every move and it won't be dropped.
"I think it's a case of watch this space because it'll be intriguing to see what happens.
"I would imagine that Ronaldo will not be too happy sitting on the bench for long periods of time.
"His contract is obviously up in the summer, but maybe that will be ended early if they can come to some agreement.
"In essence the scenario did surprise me that someone of that iconic status would do that, I found it strange."
Ronaldo is available for selection for Sunday's clash with West Ham.
