Manchester United's season has gone from bad to worse with two of their senior players reportedly involved in a training ground bust-up.
The shocking incident occurred near the end of a training session at their Carrington base on Thursday, according to The Sun.
The two players, who are unnamed in the report, had to be pulled apart.
It brought the training session to a premature end, with the squad ordered back to the dressing room after the incident.
The altercation is said to have left experienced teammates 'stunned'.
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It was the first day the squad had trained together since being given a four-day break by interim manager Ralf Rangnick following their humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brighton.
Tempers have boiled over in the squad after a disappointing campaign that has left the Red Devils without silverware and out of contention for the Champions League places.
United are currently sixth, eight points off the top four with only one game remaining in their season – a trip to Crystal Palace next weekend on the final day.
The squad has now been given more time off in the wake of the training ground altercation.
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The bust-up highlights the huge job that incoming manager Erik ten Hag has to turn around United's fortunes next season.
According to the report, United's football director John Murtough travelled to meet Ten Hag in Amsterdam on Thursday to hold talks about the club's transfer strategy this summer.
Two midfielders, a striker and a centre-half are wanted but the club is said to only have a modest transfer budget of around £100m.
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Top of the list of targets is Frenkie de Jong, with Ten Hag keen to be reunited with former Ajax midfielder.
But United believe it will be tough the sign De Jong from Barcelona, with Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and neighbours Manchester City also linked with the Netherlands international.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke his silence on the appointment of Ten Hag on Friday and says he is looking forward to working with the Dutchman - suggesting he will remain at Old Trafford next season despite the lack of Champions League football.
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"I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax, and that he is an experienced coach, but we have to give him time," Ronaldo told United's website.
"Things must change the way he wants. If you do well, all of Manchester United will succeed, so I wish you all the best.
"We are all happy and excited [with the arrival], not only as players, but as fans as well. We have to believe that next year we can win titles."
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan