PATRICE EVRA has called on Cristiano Ronaldo's critics to "leave him alone".
The Frenchman has also labelled the Portuguese's detractors as "jealous".
Ronaldo, 37, netted 18 Premier League goals during his first season back at Old Trafford.
But his future remains up in the air, amid criticism of his defensive work from some quarters.
Evra, 41, has ridiculed Ronaldo's boo boys – and reckons that his pal should be more appreciated.
The former Red Devils star told the Mirror: "Cristiano – it's not a question.
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"Can we leave this guy alone? He's got 18 goals. Where would we be if Cristiano wasn't in this squad?
"That's why when people talk about him, I'm like, 'those people are not in peace with themselves or they are jealous'.
"It's so crazy, I don't even want to answer that question anymore because I've answered so many times.
"I will give you one thing: put Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea team [and he will do well]. But put one of their best players – put Mo Salah in United – [he will struggle] like every player.
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"And they say it's because he's my friend or whatever. No. I'm in love with his work ethic, with his professionalism.
"He's 37. This guy, even at 40, will still score goals. And he's here for that, that's what people want from him.
"So, that's why when people ask me about Cristiano, sometimes I just don't wanna answer anymore because he's proved so many times – hat-tricks or whatever.
So let's talk about what he's good at, and what he's good at is to score goals
"And the funny part is when people say he doesn't defend. When he won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, Cristiano's best quality was not to defend.
"So let's talk about what he's good at, and what he's good at is to score goals."
Asked whether Ronaldo is in his plans this week, new United boss Erik ten Hag said: "Of Course!"
Pundit Jamie Carragher, however, reckons that Ten Hag should ditch CR7 "straight away".
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Ronaldo is currently away on international duty with Portugal.
CR7 and Co have FOUR upcoming Nations League matches – against Spain and the Czech Republic as well as two clashes with Switzerland.
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