The Wigan Athletic manager, Steve Bruce, has warned Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez they would be making a huge mistake by leaving a Manchester United team that may dominate at home and in Europe for years.
Bruce, who intends to interrupt Sir Alex Ferguson's pursuit of a third successive Premier League title tonight when the leaders visit the JJB Stadium, believes both will jeopardise their prospects by quitting 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.'
