EPL

Man Utd confirm Ronaldo exit

By Sports Desk November 22, 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Ronaldo, who is at the World Cup in Qatar with Portugal, caused a stir last week in a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, criticising United, senior figures at the club and manager Erik ten Hag.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he felt "betrayed" by the Red Devils, claiming they have made "zero progress" since legendary boss Alex Ferguson departed Old Trafford in 2013.

United issued a statement following the explosive interview that said they had "initiated appropriate steps".

The club on Tuesday revealed the 37-year-old has left United for a second time.

A statement on United’s official website read: "Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.

"The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

"Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch."

Ronaldo first joined United in 2003, going on to score 118 goals in 292 appearances during a glittering six-year spell that saw him become one of the best players in the world.

He returned to Old Trafford in August 2021 after 12 years away from the club at Real Madrid and Juventus.

Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 38 appearances during his first term back, but reportedly asked to leave ahead of the 2022-23 campaign following United's failure to qualify for the Champions League.  

He remained with the Red Devils and was a bit-part player under new boss Ten Hag this season.

Ronaldo made headlines last month when he refused to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Tottenham and headed for the tunnel before the final whistle sounded.

He was suspended by the club for three days following that indiscretion, but did return to the team for four games before the World Cup.

His final game for the club came in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on November 6.

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