A body language expert has claimed that Bruno Fernandes' reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo was a "disrespectful" power play - and even compared the midfielder's actions to Donald Trump.
Ronaldo and Fernandes were reunited with the Portuguese national team less than 24 hours after the first clip of the former's explosive interview with Piers Morgan went viral. Ronaldo has taken aim at a number of high-profile figures at Manchester United, including boss Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old's bombshell interview has not gone down well and the exchange between Ronaldo and Fernandes appeared to be a frosty one - a view that has now been backed up by a body language expert.
Darren Stanton, a former detective, told OLBG: "As Bruno Fernandes walks into the dressing room, the way he is walking suggests he's about to walk past Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo then returns a weak handshake and then Bruno places his left hand on his elbow. This is a power gesture. If you watch footage of Donald Trump or other politicians, it's an attempt to make the other person look weak and themselves more powerful.
"Bruno also returns with a weak handshake after he places his left hand on Ronaldo‘s elbow. This is a power gesture, and if you watch any footage of Donald Trump or other politicians, they are trying to make the other person look weak. This is a power move.
"Bruno is trying to make Ronaldo seem the weaker man. Ronaldo's expression is one of disbelief because he knows it is a weak greeting, compared to the other ways he goes around to the players and gives them hugs. It is a totally disrespectful gesture as if to say your time is up and you're not number one anymore."
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Despite claims to the contrary, an insider who is close to Fernandes has downplayed the incident to The Athletic, insisting that the subdued greeting was merely down to a joke that had been taken out of context rather than anything more sinister.
Ronaldo's other teammates, however, are believed to be less than impressed with the nature of his comments; with some even said to be finished with the former Juventus and Real Madrid superstar.
Mirror Football understands that the club are currently taking legal advice while considering their options. It is believed that United are even ready to sack Ronaldo following his revealing interview with Morgan, which was unsanctioned and is due to be released in full over the course of Wednesday and Thursday.
