Cristiano Ronaldo has given an explosive interview to Piers Morgan in which he has launched an astonishing attack on Manchester United and their manager Erik ten Hag.
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he feels ‘betrayed’ by Manchester United, has no respect for Erik ten Hag and blasts the state of the club in an explosive interview with the TalkTV host, Piers Morgan.
Also: EPL: Ronaldo To Return To Man United XI Against Man City
Newsonline reports that Ronaldo, During the 90-minute interview, said of the United manager: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
The 37-year-old’s unhappiness stems from feeling Ten Hag and senior figures at the Premier League club have been trying to force him out.
Ronaldo told Morgan he feels disrespected by the way he has been treated and believes that he’s been made a ‘black sheep’ who is blamed for everything at the club.
Asked by Morgan if the club were trying to force him out, Ronaldo replied: “Yes, not only the coach but the other two or three guys – they’re around the club.”
When quizzed again if senior club executives were trying to oust him, he said: “I don’t care. People should listen to the truth.
“Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year, but last year too.”
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Ronaldo also gave a damning verdict on the current state of Man United, claiming there has been ‘zero’ progress since legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
He also took a dig at Ten Hag’s predecessor, Ralf Rangnick.
Ronaldo – who won three Premier League titles in his first spell at the club – said: “I don’t know what’s going on but since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero.
“For example we have an interesting point that, how the club as Manchester United after [they] sack Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], they buy – they bring, sporting director Ralf Rangnick, which is something that nobody understands. This guy is not even a coach.
“A bigger club like Manchester United brings [a] sporting director – surprised not only me but all the world, you know.
“Nothing changed. Surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym… Even some points, the technology, the kitchen, the chefs, which is, I appreciate, lovely persons.
“They stopped in a time, which surprised me a lot. I thought I will see different things… different, as I mentioned before, technology, infrastructure. But unfortunately, we see many things that I used to see, when I was 20, 21, 23. So, it surprised me a lot.”
“Rangnick isn’t even a coach.”
“Nothing changes. They’ve stopped in a time that has surprised me a lot.”
Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Man United’s decision making and lack of evolution.” pic.twitter.com/NetXZridng
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 13, 2022
Ronaldo also took aim at Wayne Rooney after his former United team-mate criticised his behaviour this season.
Rooney told talkSPORT recently Ronaldo is at risk of becoming an ‘unwelcome distraction’ and should knuckle down under Ten Hag.
Ronaldo, who won countless honours alongside Rooney in his first spell at United, said: “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly…probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level.
“I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…”
During the interview, Ronaldo also speaks about the heartbreaking loss of his baby son, coping with grief in the public eye with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez; why he really missed the club’s pre-season tour and how close he came to joining rivals Manchester City.
The full dramatic and candid interview is set to air in two special shows this Wednesday and Thursday, at 8pm on TalkTV – Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo.
Asked why he was doing the interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo added: “Because I think it’s the time… to say something.”
Recall that the Portuguese superstar, one of United’s greatest-ever players – returned for his second spell at Old Trafford in August 2021 to huge fanfare.
But he has never looked happy back in Manchester as United have struggled to compete for the biggest prizes.
Having failed to engineer an exit in the summer, Ronaldo has faced criticism for his behaviour this season.
He was dropped for the Premier League clash against Chelsea last month after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham and having left Old Trafford before the full-time whistle.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has since featured again for United – captaining the team against Aston Villa earlier this month – but clearly has little time for Ten Hag.
