An insider has claimed that there is no issue between Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo - and that their frosty exchange was nothing more than a joke that has been taken out of context.
Ronaldo made headlines this week after reeling off a number of shocking revelations during an explosive, unsanctioned interview with Piers Morgan. The Manchester United star took aim at a host of high-profile names - including Erik ten Hag and the Glazer family - and revealed he feels "betrayed" by the club following their treatment of him in recent months.
Just 24 hours later, Ronaldo came face-to-face with Fernandes as they prepare to jet off to the World Cup with the Portugal national team.
However, the meeting between the Manchester United teammates was awkward; Fernandes appeared to walk past Ronaldo, who had extended his hand to the midfielder before he briefly acknowledged the veteran striker and moved on.
Despite how the encounter came across on camera, an insider who is close to Fernandes has now revealed to The Athletic that the duo's subdued interaction was just a joke over Fernandes' flight being delayed rather than anything more sinister.
But even if Fernandes doesn't have an issue with Ronaldo in the wake of his explosive comments, a fresh report from The Sun has outlined that a number of the striker's Manchester United teammates are now 'finished' with him.
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Ronaldo is determined to engineer a move away from Old Trafford in January after failing to secure an exit in the summer - and his controversial interview could help to accelerate his departure.
According to ESPN, the Dutchman has run out of patience when it comes to Ronaldo, who caused a stir as recently as last month by storming off in a strop after refusing to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
Ronaldo has been relegated to a bit-part role by Ten Hag this season and did not hold back with his comments on the former Ajax chief. He told Morgan: "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."
He then went on to add: "Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.
"People should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year too."
