Former Manchester United player Gary Neville believes the club know they have to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract on the back of the Portuguese’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
During the explosive interview, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner took aim at United, former manager Ralf Rangnick, current boss Erik ten Hag and ex-teammates including Wayne Rooney and Neville.
On Neville, Ronaldo said on TalkTV: “It's easy to criticise, I don't know if you have a job in television that they must criticise to be more famous. I really don't understand it.
“It's hard when you see people who was in the dressing room with you criticising that way.”
Advert
The 37-year-old added: “I think they take advantage of that because they are not stupid. I'm the No 1 followed guy in the world. It's not by coincidence.”
Now, Neville has responded to Ronaldo’s interview and believes the club have to act sooner rather than later.
He said on Sky Sports: “He wouldn't have done this interview if he wanted a way back. He knew it would bring the headlines it has and be the end of his Manchester United career.
Advert
“I’m wondering what Manchester United are doing because the reality of it is they know they have to terminate Cristiano's contract or they basically open up a precedent so any player can criticise them in the future.
“I agree with some of the things Cristiano has said, and many Manchester United fans will agree with many things Cristiano has said, but the reality is if you're an employee within a business and say those things your employment has to terminate, and Manchester United have to do that in the next few days.”
Neville also said that United played a part in ruining the relationship with one of their greatest-ever players.
Advert
He added: “They could have come together a couple of weeks ago and navigated a pathway through what could have potentially been choppy seas to the shore but it's not happened. They've both basically backed themselves into a corner.
“Exits don't have to happen this way if both sides are proactive and mature.”
What will happen to Ronaldo's United contract? Only time will tell.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Gary Neville
Marcus Chan