DON’T COME BACK
United players hope Ronaldo stays away
MANCHESTER UNITED players do not want Cristiano Ronaldo back in the team, following his explosive interview criticising the club and boss Erik ten Hag.
Most of the squad do not expect to see Ronaldo (right) after the World Cup, with team-mates having grown tired of his whining and posturing over his perceived mistreatment, according to sources.
The Old Trafford hierarchy – comprising owner Joel Glazer, chief executive Richard
Arnold, football director John Murtough and Ten Hag – have been locked in talks over
how to deal with Ronaldo in the wake of his interview, in which he claimed the club had “betrayed” him.
The Reds have sought legal advice about how best to resolve the issue, with the striker having accused club bosses of trying to force him out and declaring he has “no respect” for boss Ten Hag.
The writing was on the wall for the superstar as a giant mural of the player (above) was removed from Old Trafford yesterday. However it was always due to come down, to be replaced by pictures of Rugby League stars, with Saturday’s World Cup final being staged there.
But Ten Hag has told bosses there is no way Ronaldo can play for him again.
The majority of United’s squad share the same view, after Ronaldo refused to come off the bench against Tottenham.
Although he took to Instagram to offer a semi-apology for refusing to come on against Spurs – blaming it on “the heat of the moment” – his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan has ended any hope of him being welcomed back.
United have also hit back at Ronaldo’s claim there has been “zero progress” at the club since his first spell there.
They pointed to a significant improvement programme at their training base and consultancy firms Populous and Legends have been appointed as master planners to lead redevelopment of Old Trafford.
The academy has received increased investment to put it back among the best in football and the club is also building and expanding its data science department, to improve analytical support for coaches, scouts and the recruitment department.