Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed” by the team, that he doesn’t respect manager Erik ten Hag, and that he is being ejected from Old Trafford in an unprecedented interview with Piers Morgan.
After failing to gain a transfer away from Manchester United in the previous summer, Ronaldo, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in history, promised in August that he would provide his version of events.
The whole interview will air over two nights on Wednesday and Thursday, with the first clips from his conversation with TalkTV host Morgan airing on Sunday night.
The club takes note of the media attention around an interview with Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a statement from Manchester United.
After all the facts are known, the club will think about its response.
“Our focus remains on getting ready for the second half of the season and maintaining the momentum, belief, and unity being developed among the players, manager, staff, and fans,” the statement reads.
During his initial stint at Manchester United, Ronaldo established himself as one of the best players in the world, and later at Real Madrid, he rose to the status of an all-time great.
The legendary player from Portugal returned to Old Trafford in spectacular fashion in the summer of 2021, and he made a strong impression by scoring 24 goals in 38 games across all competitions.
Under the new United manager Ten Hag, he has been used less frequently, starting just four Premier League games this year.
When asked if he thought Manchester United’s leadership was attempting to get rid of him, Ronaldo responded, “Yes, not just the coach, but also two or three men around the club.” I felt duped.
People ought to pay attention to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed and that some people, not only this year but last year as well, didn’t want me here.
Manchester United had a poor start to the 2022–23 season but swiftly turned things around under Ten Hag to move up to fifth in the Premier League before the World Cup midseason break.
Before moving to Old Trafford last summer, Ten Hag thrived at Ajax, but Ronaldo claims he “does not appreciate” the Dutchman.
Ronaldo declared, “I don’t have regard for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. I won’t ever have respect for you if you don’t have respect for me.
Ralf Rangnick, a former Manchester United interim manager, was also targeted by Ronaldo, who further stated: “If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United?” I had no idea who he was.
After Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, declined to enter a Premier League game last month and left the field early, it seemed that their friendship was irreparably damaged.
However, Ronaldo had already joined the United team again and even served as captain before he was forced to miss the team’s final two games due to illness.
The final sanction for Ronaldo’s outburst from Manchester United is yet to be determined, but the team is anticipated to fine the 37-year-old at least two weeks’ wages, which would cost him more than £1 million.