Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has come out with shocking allegations about his current employers that have shocked the United fan base.
In an explosive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, the Portuguese international criticized United boss Erik ten Hag for not respecting him. He stated categorically that he did not respect the Dutchman.
Ronaldo reiterated that he was the victim of a smear campaign by the club and has become the poster boy for the club’s struggles. He went on to allude that senior elements within the club, even within the team, are actively seeking to force him out of Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old didn’t mince words, even criticizing the club for hiring Ralf Rangnick, calling him “not a manager” and “someone I had never heard of”.
Going forward, what do these comments mean for Manchester United going forward?
End of Ronaldo’s United career
After Ronaldo’s shocking revelation, it’s safe to say he’s already played his last game as a United player. Because he has admitted that he has no respect for Ten Hag, someone much admired within the United fan base, Ronaldo has already muddied the waters.
His allusion to the fact that club bosses and even some of his teammates have been trying to force him out is likely to set him apart as an unfriendly entity within the team setup.
The 37-year-old’s attack on club staff, including doctors and trainees whose competence he questioned, is another thing to be reckoned with.
How can the striker be expected to show his face again at Old Trafford after these bitter comments?
The fact that Ronaldo chooses such a public forum to air the club’s dirty laundry will lower him in the estimation of his teammate and even the fans themselves. The club currently has only one course of action: terminate his contract immediately and cut ties.
Sowing discord in the dressing room/backstage
After the game against Fulham, Ten Hag firmly stated that the club and all its members were united and fighting from a common front.
Ronaldo’s lack of professionalism threatens to shatter harmony in the dressing room after a turbulent 2021/2022 season in which cliques and behind-the-scenes disparities were blamed for the team’s poor performance.
Without a doubt, Ronaldo has an incredible influence among players, as evidenced by the admiration he garners from the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
The puzzling statements from the former Real Madrid man may re-sow the seeds of discord that significantly unsettled the team last season. It may be that a section of players moves to protect their hero, while others who feel betrayed want to kick him out, and rightly so.
Suspicion could arise among the players, especially after Ronaldo admitted that there could be players who are actively trying to force him out.
Ronaldo has shot himself in the foot.
While the Red Devils and the fans will undoubtedly bear the brunt of Ronaldo’s embarrassing antics, the player could have shot himself in the foot.
Should his association with United end, which top club will back a player who has clearly shown he can be a divisive figure?
What team will look to bring in a player who causes so much disruption and confusion?
Ronaldo may have inadvertently ruined his chances of securing another elite move shortly. However, it remains to be seen how his situation develops.
