Cristiano Ronaldo said on Sunday that he felt “betrayed” by Manchester United, adding that coach Erik ten Hag and other senior members of his club were trying to force him to leave.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, 37, is having a complicated season. The Dutch coach, who arrived last May at the helm of the Red Devils, is offering him little playing time.
The Portuguese was not even in the squad for Sunday's Premier League match, a 2-1 win over Fulham.
“I don't respect him because he doesn't respect me.” He said on the famous British TV presenter's programme.
“Not just the coach, but two or three other players at the club. I feel betrayed.”
When the host asked him if the Manchester United management was trying to separate from him, the Portuguese, who is about to leave to participate in the World Cup in Qatar, replied: “Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people didn't want me here, not just this season, but last season as well.”
The Portuguese international, after taking over at Real Madrid and passing through Juventus of Torino, returned to Manchester United in August 2021. Without ever returning to the glorious years he spent in his first stint, under the tutelage of Alex Ferguson.
The Red Devils then won three English Championship titles and the Champions League, with Ronaldo collecting the first of his five Ballon d'Ors.
Manchester United finished sixth in the English Premier League last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Media reports subsequently stated that Ronaldo had tried in vain to find another club, which would have competed in Europe's most prestigious competition.
“Since Sir Alex left, I have not seen any development in the club and nothing has changed.”Ronaldo noted as well.
“I want the best for this club, and that is why I came to Manchester United. But there are internal elements that do not help us reach the top level, such as (Manchester) City, Liverpool, and even Arsenal (…).” A club of this size should be at the top of the hierarchy, and unfortunately it is not.
