Cristiano Ronaldo: The state of play after explosive Man Utd comments
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
- 4 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo has almost certainly played his last game for Manchester United after his controversial interview where he slammed the club.
Among his explosive comments, Ronaldo claimed he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag and that the club were trying to force him out, criticising United for their lack of progression in recent years and attacking figures such as Ralf Rangnick and Wayne Rooney.
United released a statement saying they would not comment further until all reviewing all the evidence, with the full interview set to be released this week.
However, while the club are still considering their options, it is believed that they are fuming at the comments and will look to take disciplinary action and push for his exit.
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United will consider tearing up Ronaldo’s contract on the condition that they do not have to pay the final six months of his deal, understood to be worth around £560,000-a-week.
There is also a possibility that United could consider Ronaldo in breach of his contract and terminate his deal without compensation, although that would require a lengthy legal battle which the club are not keen on.
United’s statement insists they are not seeking to distract from the team’s season and, privately, it is understood they are looking to avoid ‘mud-slinging’ with a club legend.
With players believed to be annoyed at Ronaldo’s behaviour in recent months, the veteran’s latest outburst has all but ensured that his United career will be coming to a screeching halt in the coming months.
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Ronaldo struggled to generate any interest in his services when he asked to leave United in the summer, with teams not willing to meet his salary demands.
The Portuguese international is desperate to play in the Champions League again, however it remains to be seen whether any of the 16 sides left in this year’s tournament would consider a move.
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Chelsea are believed to be the favourites to sign Ronaldo, with owner Todd Boehly still understood to be willing to bring him to Stamford Bridge after former manager Thomas Tuchel blocked the move in the summer.
Some reports have suggested Paris Saint-Germain could consider a move, with their Qatari owners interested in a transfer despite the reservations of director Luis Campos.
Sporting Lisbon have long been touted as a ‘homecoming’ destination for Ronaldo but, despite their manager admitting the forward was still ‘loved’ at the club, a move appears unrealistic financially.
The most likely option for Ronaldo is a move out of Europe, with MLS sides and teams in Asia willing to offer him a lucrative deal, although he is still reportedly not willing to consider those options.
Any decision will seemingly be made after the World Cup and United will be hoping a good performance attracts the interest of clubs in order to end their ordeal and move on from a dismal reunion with Ronaldo.
