Former United captain Gary Neville has said Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at Manchester United should be terminated by the club.
He made the remarks after Ronaldo told TalkTV that he does not respect United manager Erik ten Hag and claimed he is being forced out of Old Trafford.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner who has been a peripheral figure on the field for United since Ten Hag took charge as a manager in May also criticised the club’s owners, the Glazer family, claiming they “don’t care” about the sporting success of the club.
Speaking to Sky Sports Neville said Manchester United have to terminate the former Real Madrid striker’s contract. He said:
l don’t think he wants a way back. He wouldn’t have done this interview if he wanted a way back.
He knew it would bring the headlines it has and be the end of his Manchester United career.
I’m wondering what Man Utd are doing because the reality of it is they know they have to terminate Cristiano’s contract or they basically open up a precedent so any player can criticise them in the future.
I agree with some of the things Cristiano has said, and many Man Utd fans will agree with many things Cristiano has said. But the reality is if you’re an employee within a business and say those things your employment has to terminate and Man Utd have to do that in the next few days.
A statement from United, released on Monday, said the club would “consider its response after the full facts have been established”.
However, a banner of Ronaldo has already been removed from the facade of Old Trafford.
Ronaldo has just over six months left on his contract after rejoining United from Juventus in August 2021.
The Portuguese won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his first stint at Old Trafford.
His homecoming has turned sour.
United failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, despite Ronaldo’s 24 goals in all competitions.
The 37-year-old is due to appear in his fifth World Cup in Qatar.