Manchester United have become the focus of attention of world football despite the Qatar World Cup being just around the corner. The reason behind this worldwide media attention is an explosive interview of Cristiano Ronaldo by English broadcaster Piers Morgan where the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has levelled several accusations against the club, manager Erik Ten Hag, other senior executives, and the owners- the Glazer family.

A picture of Ronaldo’s poster being removed from Old Trafford’s exteriors has recently surfaced, adding fuel to the fire. Fans started speculating that United have already decided to let go of the Portuguese superstar and that is the reason they are doing away with any insignia of him outside their stadium.

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However, reports later surfaced that such is not the case. Old Trafford is hosting the Rugby League World Cup finals for both the men and women’s divisions on Saturday, and the Portugal captain’s poster was removed to make way for the posters of the upcoming finales.

In his interview with Morgan, Ronaldo has made it clear that he feels “betrayed” by the club that made him the superstar he is today. He said manager Ten Hag has no respect for him, and that is why he does not respect the Dutch gaffer as well.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward went on to add that United have not moved on in terms of infrastructure since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. He mentioned in no unclear terms that he thinks the owners, the Glazer family, are not interested in “professional sport”, and are instead using Manchester United as a marketing tool.

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There is hardly any precedent of a sporting icon of Ronaldo’s stature speaking out so openly against a club he still plays for. While some are arguing on social media that this is a PR stunt by the Portuguese superstar to make sure he moves away from Old Trafford, something he has tried and failed in the 2022 summer, others are siding with him and appreciating his honesty to come out with all guns blazing despite knowing the consequences of his actions.