Manchester United are ready to sack Cristiano Ronaldo.
The £500,000 a week superstar has no future at Old Trafford following his savage TV attack on Erik ten Hag and the club. Old Trafford chiefs are furious after he claimed in an unauthorised TV interview that he has been “betrayed” by the club.
In fact, they are the ones feeling let down by the 37-year-old, who has tested Ten Hag’s patience to the full since the summer. United are speaking to their lawyers and the Reds legend could be booted out of Old Trafford before January’s transfer window if they are advised under employment law that his behaviour is a serious enough breach of discipline.
Ronaldo has seven months left on the two-year contract he signed when he returned in August 2021 and it is highly likely he has kicked his last ball for the club.
The club want to watch Ronaldo’s interview on TalkTV, which is being broadcast in two parts tomorrow and Thursday. United are continuing high-level discussions between CEO Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and Ten Hag, while owners the Glazers are also in the loop.
It is understood United totally reject Ronaldo’s stinging criticisms of them and Ten Hag and they remain fully behind the Dutchman’s vision for the club. Ronaldo missed United’s last two games, citing illness, and he has joined up with Portugal now for the World Cup.
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The club on Monday released a holding statement in response to Ronaldo’s incendiary interview. They clearly will not tolerate Ronaldo’s bitter outburst and their short statement talked about “continuing” the “togetherness” in the dressing room being built under Ten Hag.
The club said: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo. The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff and fans.”
