Comments made by Cristiano Ronaldo about Erik ten Hag and Manchester United during an explosive interview with Piers Morgan have been branded as 'cowardly' by a talkSPORT journalist.
The interview the Portuguese star had promised back in August was announced by Morgan on Sunday evening, with the full interview set to air on his 'Piers Uncensored' show on TalkTV on Wednesday and Thursday.
But several teaser clips from the interview were posted to social media - with Ronaldo particularly scathing on the lack of change in club facilities since his first departure in 2009, and the appointment of Ralf Rangnick last season.
Advert
He also said he felt 'betrayed' by Man Utd, stating (quotes via The Sun): "I felt betrayed. People should listen to the truth.
"Yes, I felt betrayed, and I felt like some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year, too."
However, it was Ronaldo's comments on current boss Ten Hag that shocked fans.
The Dutch boss held showdown talks with the Portuguese legend in October after he walked down the tunnel before full-time in the 1-0 win over Tottenham, and punished Ronaldo by not selecting him in the squad for the following game against Chelsea.
Advert
However, he has since been restored to the team, and even captained United during their 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on November 6.
Ronaldo told Morgan: "I don't have respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn't show respect for me."
Since the interview segments dropped, the world's media has had their say - and talkSPORT, in particular, was busy throughout Monday.
Ronaldo comments "cowardly" and "a disgrace"
Speaking on the station on Monday, journalist Alex Crook gave his view on Ronaldo's comments.
Advert
He fumed: "I think it's a disgrace from Cristiano Ronaldo. I think it's cowardly, in terms of allowing this to drop at a time when he knows he's not going to be anywhere near Carrington, anywhere near Erik ten Hag, anywhere near the powers that be at United, for several weeks now because of this upcoming World Cup.
"I think he's made a mistake by going after people like Erik ten Hag, who really has the backing of the supporters because I think they can see what a tremendous job he's done since the start of the season. I think the players are buying in to what he's doing."
Crook later claimed: "To say that he's being forced out of a club that he was actively trying to leave in the summer doesn't really stand up."
United have released a statement since sections of the interview were aired, saying the club will 'consider its response after the full facts have been established'.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United