In an explosive interview on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he felt “betrayed” by Manchester United and that the team’s manager Erik ten Hag and other top executives are trying to get rid of him.
Since Ten Hag became United’s manager in May, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has played just a supporting role.
Ronaldo was punished for declining to play as a substitute in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham last month, but he has since made a comeback. Last weekend, in a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa, he even captained the Red Devils.
However, the 37-year-old was absent from the squad in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham in United’s last match before a six-week break for the World Cup.
“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.”
Ronaldo responded, “Yes, I felt deceived and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year,” when asked again if senior club executives were attempting to remove him.
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.
Despite his 24 goals in all competitions last season, United endured a terrible campaign as they finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Ronaldo then reportedly tried to engineer an exit before the start of this season, but no agreement could be found with another club.
“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.”
United are fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.
