Cristiano Ronaldo: 'No evolution' since Ferguson left Man Utd
Graeme Souness has backed Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiery attack on Manchester United and blames boss Erik ten Hag for the striker’s behaviour. Ronaldo has conducted a blockbuster interview with Piers Morgan in which he takes aim at Ten Hag and the Old Trafford Hierarchy.
Ronaldo tried to leave United in the summer transfer window, having grown frustrated by the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League. However, it is alleged that Ten Hag told the veteran forward that he remained in his plans for the forthcoming season.
Souness believes the Red Devils head coach has since failed to make good on that promise. Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during the 6-3 Manchester derby defeat earlier in the campaign, before the 37-year-old refused to be used in a win over Tottenham several weeks later.
Asked if he can still defend Ronaldo after his interview, Souness told talkSPORT: “I certainly do. I come back to it, there’s a meeting, two people speak. Two people come out of the meeting with an understanding, and someone has not kept their word.”
It was then put to the Scot that Ronaldo’s behaviour was unacceptable. But Souness rebutted that suggestion, adding: “He feels it’s time for… He’s never spoken. He feels it’s time for him to come out and give his side of the story.
Graeme Souness has backed Man Utd forward Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible outburst (Image: TALKSPORT / TWITTER / TALKTV)
“This is, in many people’s eyes, the greatest player who has ever kicked a football. He has been told a story and the manager has not kept it.
After this so-called ‘agreement’, he doesn’t bring him on against City. His manager is asked about it and [tells journalists], ‘it’s out of respect’.
“Weeks later, he’s wanting him to go on against Tottenham with two minutes to go. The game’s won. What can Ronaldo do there? And then he makes him captain.
“That, for me, I think the player has a grievance. He’s entitled to air his grievances."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
������ Jim: “Surely you can no longer defend Ronaldo after this!?”
������ Graeme: “I certainly do! The player has a grievance and he is entitled to air it!”
Ronaldo hit out at Ten Hag and club chiefs over his treatment since rejoining the club in the summer of 2021. The Portugal captain revealed there is no mutual respect between himself and the Dutchman.
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo bluntly revealed in Morgan’s TalkTV show Piers Uncensored. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
“I feel betrayed. Some people, I feel, don’t want me here. Not just this year, but last year too,” the former Real Madrid star added.
