Manchester United are exploring their legal options as they look to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the club.
United have admitted that Ronaldo may not play for manager Erik ten Hague again after being heavily criticized for the Dutchman in a talk TV interview.
He has just seven months left on his £500,000-a-week contract.
United could terminate the Portuguese forward’s contract, which would leave him free to sign for another club when the transfer window opens in January.
It is understood they are loathe to offer the 37-year-old any form of payment given how strongly they feel about the situation.
The club wants the matter dealt with as soon as possible to avoid it spilling over into the second half of the season.
In his interview, Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed by the club” and said he had “no respect” for Ten Hague, adding that he felt he had been forced out of the club. Being kicked out.
United responded on Friday with a statement saying they had “initiated appropriate measures” in response.
Ronaldo will captain Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, their first Group H match against Ghana on Thursday.
He has not played since United’s 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on November 6 due to an undisclosed illness.
Ronaldo was dropped for the Premier League game at Chelsea last month by Ten Hague after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham three days earlier.
The Red Devils, who beat Fulham 2-1 on Sunday, are fifth in the Premier League in ten Hague’s first season as manager.
United Baking Ten Hague – Analysis
Manchester United wanted to see the full extent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview. Now he has acted.
The club are refusing to say what the ‘appropriate steps’ are but canceling Ronaldo’s contract and/or taking legal action is likely to be high on the list.
United are firmly behind manager Erik ten Hague, who has faced a number of criticisms of Ronaldo. There was a claim by Ronaldo that Den Haag only wanted to bring him on in the closing minutes of last month’s win over Tottenham just to prove a point, with Ronaldo adding that he has no respect for the Dutchman.
The club has also expressed pride in the club and its staff, which Ronaldo mocked as his perception of United being stuck in a time warp.
It is implausible that Ronaldo can play for United again under Ten Hague, so the only way out is now.
It may not be straightforward. Ronaldo is the highest paid player in the Premier League and will have a number of clauses in his contract.
However, the club has vowed to act as soon as possible. They won’t want it hanging over them any longer than necessary.
How did the Ronaldo controversy unfold?
It’s been quite a week for Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ever since the details of his much-publicized interview with Morgan emerged, it’s felt like one drama after another as additional parts of their chat became public as the week went on.
Here’s a quick guide to what’s said and by whom:
- Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed” by United, that the club had shown no “progress” and that he was being forced out.
- A further interview has been released with him saying United’s owners “don’t care about the club”.
- The club acknowledged his interview and said it would “consider its response once the full facts emerge”.
- United defender Raphael Varane says the situation “affects” all players.
- Ronaldo explained that he was “close” to joining Manchester City but his “heart” took him back to United.
- Morgan says Ronaldo is “very happy with the way things have gone”, reflecting on his interview.
- United legend Peter Schmeichel says he still believes in “fairy tales” and hopes Ronaldo can have a future at the club.
- Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville says the club should terminate Ronaldo’s contract.
- Ronaldo revealed he turned down a £305m deal to join the Saudi Arabian club in the summer.
- He said he turned it down because he was “happy” at Old Trafford and “motivated to have a great season.”
