Manchester United FC

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Bruce warns pair over exits

13 May 2009 - 08:36:35

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Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has warned Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez that they are risking their careers should they leave Manchester United.

Bruce will lead his Wigan side into action at Old Trafford on Wednesday night with his former club closing in on a third straight Premier League title.

The game comes in the midst of a wave of speculation suggesting that both Tevez and Ronaldo could be on their way at the end of the season.

Tevez is coming towards the end of a two-year loan contract with the Red Devils, while Portugal winger Ronaldo's petulant reaction to being substituted against Manchester City last weekend has led to fresh reports that he could be on his way to Real Madrid in the summer.

But Bruce, who left United himself to prolong his playing career with Birmingham City in 1996, has warned the pair that they would be making a huge mistake by leaving Old Trafford.

"Once you leave Old Trafford you find it very difficult. It's a step down," he said.

"Not many have gone on to do well elsewhere and that applies whether you have been a reserve or have been in the first team for 10 years. It is very, very difficult to adjust.

"The modern player must accept that to be involved at the top - especially when they have been involved in five competitions and can win four this season - you don't have to play 60 games a year like we did.

"It takes about 18 games to win the Champions League so you need a squad of players capable of handling the big games."