Paul Scholes was delighted to see Manchester United put an end to their latest Cristiano Ronaldo saga by terminating his contract.
United announced on Tuesday evening that they had released Ronaldo from his contract early following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo had openly criticised the club, claiming he felt “betrayed” after being denied a summer transfer while taking aim at manager Erik ten Hag among others.
Both sides said the decision had been taken mutually and Ronaldo added that “it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge”. The 37-year-old forward, who is currently away with Portugal at the World Cup, is now a free agent, meaning he can join a new club.
Scholes played alongside Ronaldo for six years at United, but doesn’t appear to have any sympathy with his stance. Reflecting the prevailing opinion of United supporters, the former midfielder shared a post about Ronaldo’s departure on Instagram alongside the caption: “Mission accomplished… a***d!!”
Another of Ronaldo’s former teammates, Rio Ferdinand, had a slightly more diplomatic take on the situation. “I think both parties will be delighted now,” he said on the BBC while covering the World Cup. “He obviously did that interview with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the football club.
“[He] wasn’t happy, made it very clear, but I also think Erik ten Hag has got what he wanted as well in this situation. Both parties are happy, move on, next chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo.”
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United did mention Ronaldo’s exceptional goalscoring record over two spells with the club while announcing his departure. "The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future,” the statement read.
"Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch."
United have now got Ronaldo’s colossal £500,000-a-week wages off their books and will seek to sign a replacement striker in the January transfer window. Ten Hag oversaw the signings of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Antony over the summer, but clearly needs reinforcements up front.
Ronaldo only scored three goals in 16 appearances across the Premier League and Europa League this season. But his exit still leaves the club short of options in attack, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford the only senior strikers, but more suited to playing off the flanks.
United will return to action after the World Cup with a Carabao Cup match against Burnley on December 21 – just three days after the final in Qatar. They return to the Premier League on December 27, against Nottingham Forest, before a trip to face Wolves on New Year’s Eve.
