‘F*cking sort it out!’ – Man Utd told to mend rift after Ronaldo row
Manchester United continue to be at the heart of unwelcome speculation over the togetherness of the team.
With results barely satisfactory and performances mediocre, Man Utd’s squad harmony has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been to the fore of this. Having arrived in the summer, the Portuguese legend has, until a recent drought, performed admirably, yet the team continues to struggle. His happiness at the club has, therefore, been called into question.
A report in the Daily Express on Friday, meanwhile, indicated that there is a “power struggle” between Ronaldo and Harry Maguire at the club. Although the England man has denied the reports, rumours continue to swirl.
Berbatov on Man Utd rift
Dimitar Berbatov, who starred for Man Utd from 2008-2012, has told the club that it is an issue that needs to be resolved.
"There is always rumour and gossip going around at any club and who knows if there is anything in the story of a clash between Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo over the captaincy. Harry says that's not the case. I hope he's right,” he told Betfair.
"But if there is something to it then I hope they can speak face-to-face and sort it out.
"What is for sure is that this is not the sort of thing United need right now. United are fighting for a top-four spot, which they need to achieve.
"Obviously, Ronaldo is an icon in football, he's done it all and when you have a player like this in the side you need to use him, ask for advice and listen to what he says. He leads by example during training and the way he plays.
"There is a point for Ronaldo being captain because he has experienced everything in the game. On the other hand, Maguire is captain and, okay, he may have had the odd bad game, but I don't think he would like to run from that responsibility.
"If there is anything in it, they have to come together, sit down, speak to each other and the manager and just f*cking sort it out!"
Man Utd face Leeds on Sunday before tackling Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League.