Dressing room bust-up Questions over captain Some want Ronaldo out

DISHARMONY remains rife in the United squad after a dressing room row erupted two days before their abject 4-0 thrashing by Brentford.

Sources close to some firstteam players say there was a huge argument at the club’s Carrington training complex on Thursday.

Cliques still exist in a squad that remains a discordant environment after two disastrous defeats by Brighton and Brentford, while certain United players eager to leave are still marooned at the club.

Manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to retain Harry Maguire as captain is not fully supported, with a number of high-profile players still sceptical of the defender’s rank and its privilege of a starting role.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to leave has also contributed to tension in the first-team squad, with some team-mates hopeful he the Reds move him on as they believe the atmosphere would improve.

The Portugal international indiscreetly aired his reservations about

Maguire and former manager

Ole

Gunnar

Solskjaer last season while United’s glacial movement in the transfer market is one of the reasons behind his eagerness to leave.

Ten Hag oversaw a punishing training session of the first-team on Sunday as their scheduled day off was cancelled in the wake of the debacle at Brentford. A source said the session in 30 degrees heat left the players ‘in ruins’.

And it is reported that senior players - including Ronaldo – have appealed to the board to bring in new signings. United have until 12pm on Friday to sign and register any new players in time for them to be available to play against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday. The club agreed a fee of £15m rising to £20m for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot nine days ago and negotiations for personal terms with his mother, Veronique, are ongoing. United have lost their first two league games for the first time in 30 years and players were subjected to chants of ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ from the away end at the Community Stadium.