It has become a sadly familiar sight. The ball does not break for him, the frustration grows and suddenly Wayne Rooney boils over. It happened twice during Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Kaizer Chiefs at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. A kick at Onismor Bhasera, the Chiefs defender, in the first half went undetected, but not a reckless swipe at Tinashe Nengomasha in the second period, which drew a booking.

With 20 minutes remaining, Rooney was taken off by Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, protecting him from the possibility of a sending-off.

That would be no surprise to Pelé, who believes that Rooney’s brittle temperament is hampering his development. The forward has worked to curb his temper, but the Brazil legend believes that he needs to work harder.

“I like Wayne Rooney, but he hasn’t reached the peak of Euro 2004 again,” Pelé said. “He had two or three very good years and then lost a little bit in his performances – I don’t know why. When he is tangling with opponents, Rooney has to learn how to defend himself – not attack the opponent. If you can protect yourself from challenges, it will be easier to keep your temper.”

Keeping tempers has proved difficult at Old Trafford this summer and just when it seemed that Ferguson and David Gill had drawn a line under Cristiano Ronaldo’s future by insisting that he will remain at Manchester United, the player has made it clear that he has other ideas.

Ronaldo was told at a meeting with Ferguson in Lisbon a week ago that he would not be sold, an uncompromising stance echoed at the weekend by Gill, the chief executive. But although Ronaldo claimed in an interview yesterday with ESPN, the American sports broadcaster, that he would remain “motivated” if he stays at Old Trafford, he was again ambiguous about his future.

“I’ve had hundreds of questions about Manchester United and Real Madrid,” Ronaldo, who is on holiday in Los Angeles while he recovers from the ankle surgery that will rule him out of action until October, said. “What do you want me to say? That I’m going or I’m staying? I don’t know about the future, only God knows it. I can’t say any more.” It remains to be seen how Ferguson reacts to the latest outburst, although by publicly defying his manager so soon after their meeting, Ronaldo is playing a dangerous game. Ferguson was incensed by Ronaldo’s insinuation that his predicament was tantamount to slavery and the Scot may have no alternative but to fine the player.

“Great players are always hounded by great clubs,” Ronaldo said. “It’s a normal situation. I want to be happy, regardless of where I play. I can be happy everywhere if I am with people I like, if I am animated, motivated. Am I motivated to continue at United? I am always motivated.”

Some have suggested that Ronaldo’s badgering for a move to Real is an attempt to get an improved contract, but Gill has insisted that the player will not be given a new deal, having signed a five-year contract worth £120,000 a week last year.