Man Utd learn ‘next steps’ if Cristiano Ronaldo challenges sacking

Cristiano Ronaldo recalls receiving letter from royal family

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Manchester United have reportedly learnt their next steps if Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to accept a clean exit from the club. The Red Devils will reportedly attempt to sack the Portugal forward following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

United signed Ronaldo for a second time last summer after prising him away from Juventus. But he came under fire during his first season back at Old Trafford, despite bagging 24 goals in all competitions. This season, the 37-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under new manager Erik ten Hag and has only started four of his team’s 14 Premier League matches.

In October, the player refused to come off the bench during a clash with Tottenham and departed the stadium before the final whistle. He was subsequently left out of the matchday squad when United travelled to Chelsea three days later.

Ronaldo has cut a frustrated figure this term and set-up an interview with broadcaster Morgan in an attempt to put his side of the story across. But he used the chat to pull his employers apart as he aimed his venom at the club’s Glazer family owners, as well as Ten Hag.

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Ronaldo clearly didn’t have the Red Devils’ permission to speak to Morgan and joined up with the Portugal squad in the aftermath of the interview before flying out to Qatar on Friday ahead of the World Cup.

United will now try to bring their association with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to an end. But, according to Sky Sports, if the player does not accept a clean exit without a pay out, then all options will be on the table. And that suggests the 13-time Premier League champions could be willing to compromise with the forward or even perform a U-turn on their decision as the situation threatens to turn into a legal mess.

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Substantial work has gone in to assessing legal avenues and the club have done due diligence to see if they are able to sue for a breach of contract. But United could be keen to avoid a public legal battle with such a high-profile star.

Ronaldo has found the back of the net just three times in all competitions this season, despite featuring in 16 games. And the Red Devils have arguably looked better without him in the side, with Ten Hag often preferring Marcus Rashford to lead the frontline.

United have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes under Ten Hag in recent months and have climbed to fifth in the Premier League table. And they have also made it through to the Europa League play-off round, where they will face a two-legged tie against Barcelona.

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