Ronaldo Slams Manchester United, Ten Hag, Says He Feels Betrayed

Cristiano Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed” by Manchester United as he said manager, Erik ten Hag and other senior executives are trying to force him out of the club.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a supplementary figure on the field for United since Ten Hag took charge in May.

Ronaldo was disciplined after refusing to come on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham last month, but had returned to the side in recent weeks and even captained the Red Devils in a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa last weekend.

However, the Ronaldo, 37, 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 about Ten Hag in an interview.

“Not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”

When asker if senior club executives were trying to take him out, Ronaldo answered: “Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”

Recall that Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in August 2021 from Juventus.

His first spell at United had been a glorious one under the tutelage of Alex Ferguson, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the first of his Ballon d’Or crowns as the best player in the world.

Regardless of his 24 goals in all competitions last season, United went through 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,” he said.

“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.”