Chelsea and Arsenal have both been linked with Manchester United's wantaway superstar Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the January transfer window.
In the second part of his explosive interview on TalkTV with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo admitted he wants to see the Gunners lift their first Premier League title since 2004, with United seemingly out of the running. Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly had previously met with Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, during the summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise after Thomas Tuchel passed up on the opportunity to sign the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The 37-year-old striker scored 24 goals in all competitions last term but has found life tough under Erik ten Hag, with Ronaldo admitting he 'doesn't respect' the United boss. The Portugal international will feature at the World Cup in Qatar for his country before returning to Old Trafford ahead of the January transfer window as United prepare disciplinary measures for their star striker.
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Following his interview, in which he took aim at Ten Hag, United chiefs and the Glazers family, the club have now released the following statement: "Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo's recent media interview.
"We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion."
The short statement speaks volumes about the club's stance on one of the most iconic players in United's history as Ronaldo now awaits to understand how he will be disciplined for his public outburst. United had received an initial offer for A-League CEO Danny Townsend earlier this week for the 37-year-old, whilst reports continue to link both Arsenal and Chelsea with a move for the Portuguese striker.
Blues boss Graham Potter has already offered his own stance on Ronaldo's situation at Old Trafford. Speaking in a press conference earlier this season, Potter said: "Well, I can't really comment because I don't know the ins and outs, but he's [ten Hag] taken his stance.
"Sometimes you have to do that. And then you need the club's support, and from the outside, that's what has happened.
"Well, it's difficult for me to comment because I don't know the actual context, I don't know what's really happened, I don't want to go off headlines and things like that. Part of the job is to take some decisions that are difficult, but that's normal."
It remains to be seen whether any top club will go near Ronaldo after his latest comments, and whilst his goal-scoring ability is unquestionable, the same may not be said for his attitude and professionalism behind closed doors.
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