Roy Keane continues to defend Cristiano Ronaldo despite bitter ending to Man United career

Roy Keane has continued to defend Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portuguese’s bitter ending to his Manchester United career.

On Tuesday evening, it was confirmed that United and Ronaldo have mutually agreed to terminate his contract after the 37-year-old’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Whilst working as a pundit on ITV, Keane was asked about Ronaldo’s situation.

He said: “I think it has been on the cards for the last few months. Obviously, the interview was the tipping point. It is like a divorce the end of a relationship.

“The new manager was never going to play him. You can’t have Ronaldo as a fringe player, it’s just not right.”

Keane then shifted some blame towards United boss Erik ten Hag.

The former United captain added: “I don’t think it has been great management, a difficult situation but I don’t think the manager comes out with it.

“You have to treat world class players differently, this idea that you treat everyone the same, you don’t.”

Keane continued: “You do have to treat the top players differently. I don’t want to go down the road again about pressing, Ronaldo did not come back to the club to do that, he came back to score goals.

“Let him go in the summer before it gets really messy. Ronaldo has run out of patience there. I think it is really straightforward, people say is his reputation at United tarnished. Far from it. United fans aren’t daft.

“Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest players. It has not ended well, but that’s life. I think he will be delighted to be among the Portuguese squad and show its qualities.”

After the confirmation of his exit, Ronaldo released a statement, which said: “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.

“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.

“I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”

It remains to be seen which club Ronaldo will be playing for after the conclusion of the World Cup.