Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview: Furious Man Utd siding with Ten Hag in power battle – sources
According to ESPN, Manchester United is enraged by Cristiano Ronaldo’s incendiary attack on the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
United are particularly irritated by Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan, in which he stated that he “doesn’t respect” Ten Hag, which came only hours after the players shown their team spirit and unity with a thrilling win against Fulham on Sunday.
“Manchester United observes the media coverage about an interview with Cristiano Ronaldo,” the club stated in a statement on Monday. The club will consider its response once all of the facts are known.
“Our emphasis remains on preparing for the second half of the season and maintaining the momentum, belief, and unity that the players, manager, staff, and supporters have established.”
According to ESPN, the team wants to focus on what they consider was an important victory at Craven Cottage, which was gained courtesy to Alejandro Garnacho’s stoppage-time goal.
However, the club is challenging a number of concerns brought by Ronaldo privately.
The 37-year-old claims United and Ten Hag wanted to “force him out” in the summer, but sources tell ESPN that United were made aware during the transfer window that the striker’s representatives were actively looking for a move away.
United have also disputed Ronaldo’s allegation that their Carrington training facility has not been renovated since his previous visit to Old Trafford.
According to ESPN, the pool, canteen, and rehabilitation spaces have all been renovated, and more than £200,000 has been spent to establish a cutting-edge analysis and conference room at Ten Hag’s request.
According to ESPN, with the support of football director John Murtough and chief executive Richard Arnold, United will leave Ten Hag to deal with Ronaldo’s new indiscretion.
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Ten Hag took the lead when Ronaldo refused to appear as a substitute against Tottenham in October, choosing to suspend the Portugal international from first-team training and making him unavailable for the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Some sources close to the club believe Ronaldo’s interview was designed as a “power play” to force a move away from Old Trafford in January while also negotiating a financial settlement for the remaining months of his contract, which runs until June. United have been willing to letting Ronaldo depart for free since the summer but have been reluctant to agree to a payment.
Sources tell ESPN that United got only one bid from Saudi Arabia during the summer season despite rumoured interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Atletico Madrid.
