Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Cristiano Ronaldo interview: Gary Neville urges Man Utd to pull trigger on former teammate to set precedent

Gary Neville, Cristiano Ronaldo during Manchester United v Benfica - Champions League game at Old Trafford

Gary Neville is shocked Manchester United are yet to sack Cristiano Ronaldo for his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan that has left the football world talking.

Ronaldo has pretty much criticised every aspect of the club and also taken some of his old teammates to task, including Neville and Wayne Rooney, to leave United with a huge question to answer.

But Neville is convinced Ronaldo’s actions can only end in one outcome and that would see the Red Devils terminate the club legend’s contract.

Speaking to Sky Sports Neville said: “No, I don’t think [Ronaldo] wants a way back. He wouldn’t have done this interview if he wanted a way back.

“I think this interview, to be fair, was one that he knew would bring about the headlines that it has, and would bring the end of his Manchester United career.

“At this moment in time, I’m wondering what Manchester United are doing, because the reality of it is they know they have to terminate Cristiano’s contract, or else they basically open up a precedent that any player can come in and criticise [the club] in the future.

Ronaldo clearly wants out

Neville also feels that be doing things the way he has, Ronaldo is virtually begging to his contract ripped up so he can leave.

The former England defender added: “Cristiano probably wants that as well, but it didn’t need to end like that.

“It could’ve come together a few weeks ago and navigated a smooth pathway, through what potentially could’ve been choppy seas to the shore. But it’s not happened.

“I agree with some of the things Cristiano has said. But the reality is if you’re an employee within a business and you say those things, then your employment has to terminate. And there’s no doubt Manchester United have to do that in the next few days.”

If Ronaldo does get shown the door then the question remains, where will he end up next?

Two clubs already out of Ronaldo running

Well it won’t be Newcastle or Sporting Lisbon. Indeed Ronaldo’s old club have stated that could not afford the forward’s astronomical salary.

As for the Magpies, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has urged the club against bringing in someone of Ronaldo’s magnitude.

He said, in a recent interview: “I think Newcastle need players with that [right] mentality, it’s not about signing everyone just because they have money.

“It’s not bringing Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappe. It’s not like this.”

United are back in action on December 21 when they host Burnley in the Carabao Cup last 16.

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