Gary Neville has shed light on what Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo said to him at the side of the pitch before the Red Devils registered their first win of the season against a misfiring Liverpool side.
The former United defender was on punditry duty alongside fellow Old Trafford hero Roy Keane and ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. The trio were speaking during the warm-ups against a backdrop of players being put through their paces when Ronaldo strolled over to greet former teammates Neville and Keane.
While the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was quick to shake hands with his old colleagues, it was actually his snub of Carragher that got everyone talking. The former Anfield star has been a vocal critic of Ronaldo in recent times and has even questioned why United ever signed him for a second time.
It would appear as if the 37-year-old forward is well aware of what Carragher thinks of him, given he clearly gave him the cold shoulder with a very subdued acknowledgement while opting against shaking the pundit's hand. The cold exchange did not evade Piers Morgan, who took to Twitter to provide his surprise take on the moment.
The former Good Morning Britain presenter claimed that Neville's "recent observations" of Ronaldo meant there was a high likelihood he was not particularly warm towards the former right-back either. "I strongly suspect he [Ronaldo] wasn’t showing Mr Neville any heartfelt gratitude for his recent observations either… care to tell us what he said to you @GNev2?," Morgan wrote.
He was swiftly shot down by Neville, who laid bare the entirety of the rather uneventful chat between the two of them. The ex-England international replied: "He said 'Are you good?' To which I replied 'yes , are you good?' He replied 'yes', I replied 'all the best.' Were you expecting something else Piers?"
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Ronaldo's future has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window. United's number seven has made it clear to those at the top of the club's hierarchy he wishes to leave and join a side he feels better suits his ambition as he angles for a return to Champions League football.
Prior to United running out 2-1 victors over Liverpool, Carragher discussed the fact Ronaldo started the game on the bench and what it might mean for his future.
"I think [regarding] Ronaldo, the manager [Erik ten Hag] has an opportunity with players back to say 'no, I want you on the bench'," the Reds legend claimed. "If I’m being honest, I’m not sure the manager wants Ronaldo around the place. He had to play him last week [against Brentford] because it was so poor against Brighton."
"As soon as he’s got options, he’s put him on the bench and in two weeks, I think Ronaldo will move on," Carragher added.
