Manchester United taking action against Cristiano Ronaldo after interview

Manchester United have confirmed that they will begin “appropriate steps in response” to Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan.

The Old Trafford club issued a statement on Friday morning but declined to say precisely what the measures were and insisted they would not be commenting “until the process reaches its conclusion”.

Ronaldo used the two-part interview to disparage some of United’s younger players and was critical of the club’s owners and current boss Erik ten Hag, saying he felt “provoked” by the Dutch coach after he refused to come on against Tottenham in October and left Old Trafford before the full-time whistle.

The Portugal international said he believes Ten Hag “does not respect” him in the way he “deserves”, although he had “regret” for his behaviour against Tottenham last month but feels the punishment he faced was too harsh.

United taking action after Ronaldo’s comments

The club’s statement read: “Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview.

“We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion.”

The Guardian report that United have appointed lawyers to sue Ronaldo for alleged breach of contract after claims made by the 37-year-old in the interview.

Ronaldo is likely to have played his last game for the club and has reportedly been instructed not to return to club training after the World Cup in Qatar.