In a shocking interview on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo stated he felt “betrayed” by Manchester United and asserted that the club’s manager Erik ten Hag and other top officials are attempting to get rid of him.
Since Ten Hag became United’s manager in May, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner position in the team has been seen as just played just a supporting role.
In a 2-0 victory over Tottenham last monthRonaldo was penalized for refusing to replace a player, but he has since made a comeback as he even led the Red Devils as captain last weekend, in a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa.
But in United’s final game before a six-week break for the World Cup, a 2-1 triumph against Fulham on Sunday, the 37-year-old was not included in the team.
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said of Ten Hag in an interview with the Piers Morgan Uncensored TV show.
“Not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”
When asked again if senior club executives were trying to take him, Ronaldo replied: “Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”
In August 2021, Ronaldo made his way back to Old Trafford from Juventus.
Under the direction of Alex Ferguson, he had a brilliant first stint at United, winning three Premier League championships, the Champions League, and the first of his Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s finest player.
Even though he scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, United had a terrible season, finishing sixth in the Premier League and missing out on Champions League qualification.
“Since Sir Alex left, I saw no evolution in the club. Nothing had changed,” said Ronaldo on what he found on his return to United.
“I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.
“But you have some things inside that don’t help (us) reach the top level as (Manchester) City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal…a club with this dimension should be top of the tree in my opinion and they are not unfortunately.”
Meanwhile, United currently sit at fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind current leaders Arsenal.
Source: Punch Newspaper
