adminMANCHESTER. – It is hard to see a way back for Cristiano Ronaldo after a clip of the explosive discussion he held with Piers Morgan was published late on Sunday evening.
The full interview will not be released until midweek, but the preview is a damning indictment of how the relationship between Ronaldo and United has fallen apart.
Ten Hag, Wayne Rooney and Ralf Rangnick were all targets of Ronaldo’s anger during the 90-minute interview, which the attacker has given just before he flies out to the World Cup.
Here, Mirror Football looks at five of the biggest bombshell revelations.
Club forcing him out
Arguably the biggest revelation Ronaldo delivered is that he feels that he is being forced out of United by senior club executives. The attacker has seen his game-time diminish this season, with other options being preferred by Ten Hag.
“Honestly, I shouldn’t say that… don’t know… But listen I don’t care, I’m always… People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed and I feel that some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year, too,” he said. With Ten Hag clearly having decided that Ronaldo’s days as a regular starter for United are over, it would appear their relationship is broken. In his interview with Morgan, Ronaldo launched an extraordinary attack on the Dutchman.
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you,” Ronaldo added.
Falling out with Rooney
After he refused to come on as a substitute during the win over Tottenham, many pundits lined up to criticise Ronaldo.
That included former team-mate Wayne Rooney, who called Ronaldo’s behaviour an “unwanted distraction”.
Ronaldo has hit back.
“I don’t know why he criticises me so badly. Probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level. I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true,” he fumed.
Ferguson’s feelings
While many will criticise Ronaldo for delivering his bombshell interview, the United star did hint he may have one crucial backer in Sir Alex Ferguson.
“He knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be. He knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that… it’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind,” he said.
Ronaldo’s first season back at United was a disaster, with the Red Devils missing out on the top four and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting sacked.
Ralf Rangnick took over as interim boss halfway through the campaign but was unable to inspire a turnaround in fortunes.
“If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’d never even heard of him,” Ronaldo said. – mirror.com.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter