Manchester United have started the process of dismissing Cristiano Ronaldo following his explosive interview in which he slammed the club.
United have sought legal counsel, and it is understood that lawyers have advised them that they have grounds to terminate Ronaldo’s contract for breach of contract.
Ronaldo claimed in an explosive interview with TalkTV that United’s hierarchy was attempting to force him out and that he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag.
United are confident they have grounds to terminate Ronaldo’s six-month contract for bringing the club into disrepute.
Ronaldo and his representatives are almost certain to file a legal challenge to United’s move, which will cost the 37-year-old superstar approximately £16 million in lost wages.
United issued the following statement: “Manchester United took appropriate action this morning in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview. We will not make any further comments until this process is completed.”
Although United refused to elaborate on what constitutes “appropriate steps,” sources have indicated that they intend to impose the ultimate sanction on Ronaldo.
United’s hierarchy, which includes owner Joel Glazer, chief executive Richard Arnold, football director John Murtough, and manager Ten Hag, has been in discussions about how to deal with Ronaldo following his interview in which he claimed the club “betrayed” him.
Ten Hag has told bosses that Ronaldo will not be allowed to play for him again after refusing to come on against Tottenham and leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle in United’s 2-0 win.
According to sources, United’s players do not expect to see Ronaldo again after the World Cup, as the squad has grown tired of his whining and posturing over his perceived mistreatment.
Among the many contentious remarks in his interview, Ronaldo claimed that United had made “zero progress” since he left for Real Madrid in 2009.
