If Manchester United supporters thought they could sit back and enjoy the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, they were dearly mistaken.
Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational interview with Piers Morgan has stunned fans and left his future in doubt. The Portugal international, 37, has criticised the club's owners the Glazers and manager Erik ten Hag, as well as their decision to hire ex-boss Ralf Rangnick.
Ronaldo is dominating the headlines and more bombshells are expected to follow when the full interview is released on Wednesday and Thursday, with a response from United expected. Here are three of the latest talking points from Ronaldo's astonishing interview.
Pietersen defends Ronaldo
England cricket hero Kevin Pietersen has defended Ronaldo's interview with Morgan. Pietersen, who was part of England's famous Ashes-winning squad in 2005, is friends with Morgan and has previously criticised Ten Hag for leaving Ronaldo out of the team.
Pietersen tweeted on Tuesday: "I've watched this CR [Ronaldo] story and having been in a similar position, I sympathise with him.
"People have NO IDEA what it's like to have constant lies and speculation written about them all the time. People having breaking points. Very easy to blame him but before you do, think."
What do you make of Cristiano Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan? Let us know in the comments below!
Pietersen ordered United to take down a picture of him from their official Instagram page in October because of Ronaldo's lack of minutes under Ten Hag this season. He commented: "Please take my picture down?
"I don't want an association with a club that's managed by a clown who is completely disrespecting the greatest footballer of our time! Cristiano is the BOSS. That clown who no one will ever remember, needs a wake up!"
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Rangnick responds to Ronaldo
When asked about Rangnick, Ronaldo told Morgan: "If you're not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I'd never even heard of him."
In response, Rangnick has reminded Ronaldo that he's currently the coach of Austria. He told reporters: "I'm the team boss of Austria's national team, it's not my job to judge that [Ronaldo's comments]. [It's] the job of Manchester United and the sports journalists."
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Rooney 'bemused' by Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney is reportedly 'bemused' by Ronaldo's latest rant but feels no animosity towards him. Ronaldo questioned Rooney's retirement and appearance in his interview with Morgan after his former United team-mate criticised his behaviour and form.
Rooney recently said: "It is a distraction which Manchester United don’t need at the minute, trying to rebuild. For Cristiano, just get your head down and work and be ready to play when the manager needs you. If he does that, he will be an asset. If he doesn’t, it will become an unwanted distraction."
When asked about Rooney's comments, Ronaldo said: "I don't understand, you should ask this question to him. I don't know why he criticised me so bad."
Ronaldo was then asked if he thinks Rooney is jealous of him, to which he said: "Probably, because he finished his career in his 30s. I'm still playing at a high level, I'm not going to say that I'm looking better than him, which is true."
