Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged a Manchester United future appears unlikely after his scathing interview, though he rubbished earlier reports of a move away as "garbage".
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner has caused a stir at Old Trafford after hitting out at the club's senior figures, current manager Erik ten Hag and former boss Ralf Rangnick.
In a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan on Talk TV, the Portugal international said he felt "betrayed" by United and claimed the club had made "zero progress" since Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
Amid a host of other complaints, Ronaldo suggested he may no longer be a United player after the World Cup break with Portugal, who open their Group H campaign against Ghana in Qatar next Thursday.
"It's hard, it's hard for me to say that I will not be back to Manchester United. But regardless, let's see what's going to happen," the 37-year-old said.
“It's difficult to tell right now, because my mood is right now to the World Cup. It's probably my last World Cup, of course, my fifth World Cup.
"I don't know what's going to happen after the World Cup, but as I told you before, and I will say again, the fans will be always in my heart.
"I hope that they never forget the things that I will continue to do it. Not only in the past, but in the present too. Manchester will be always in my side, the fans will be always on my side.
"It doesn't matter what's going to happen. When I arrived at Manchester United, I am always available to help the team to do good things, to put them in the right spots to compete with the best teams.
"But it's hard when they cut your legs and don't like you to shine and don't listen to your advice.
"I think I have words to advise the club because the trophies are one individual and collective. I think I can help a lot, but the infrastructure is not good."
Ongoing reports linked the unsettled Ronaldo with the likes of Chelsea, Juventus and Atletico Madrid among a plethora of Europe's elite clubs.
Former side Sporting CP were another name touted, alongside Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, though the ex-Real Madrid attacker refuted numerous reports.
"What they say the last three months is complete garbage and wrong," he added. "They say that they offer me this and that, and many presidents and directors speak about, they reject me.
"It's a complete lie, they lie. Because this is not what's happened. I have a few clubs that they want me to sign and I didn't go because I feel comfortable here.
"I was motivated to do a great season here. But they continue to repeat that nobody wants Cristiano. How don't they want a player who scored 32 goals last year, with the national team?"
While Ronaldo took aim at the speculation and his current employers United, the forward insisted he has no doubts over his capabilities.
He continued: "For me, it's a stupid question. What do people say? They are not the same. Nobody is the same, day-by-day we're getting old. Every one of us, it is normal. You have to adapt.
"And I think nobody in this game has this brain that adapts to his age. I'm not wanting to be cocky to say that I'm the same as when I was 20. Of course, no.
"I adapt and be smart to know my strength, what I'm good at. I'm still playing a high level and I score goals, and I will continue to score goals.
"If my mind is clear and happy. And if the people surround me, they're helping me to be a successful player, especially the coach, the president, the directors…
"But when you feel that the energy around you won't help, it's difficult for you to be yourself, which is what has happened with me."
Sancho given fresh start with Chelsea loan move
Jadon Sancho has secured a move away from Manchester United, having joined Chelsea on Deadline Day on a season-long loan.
The deal includes an obligation to buy for between £20-£25 million at the end of the loan, according to widespread reports, meaning that the 24-year-old will not be returning to Old Trafford next summer.
Work to complete the transfer came late on Deadline Day, with a deal sheet being submitted to ensure the signing could go through after the 11pm deadline.
Chelsea were able to get the deal over the line, confirming the move was complete on Saturday evening.
"I’m really excited to be here," Sancho said. "London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back.
"The manager spoke to me about the project and, for a young player, it's exciting. Hopefully I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge."
It brings an end to a three-year spell at Old Trafford for Sancho. The winger originally joined United on a five-year contract in 2021 but, following a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, found his first-team opportunities limited.
Sancho made 83 appearances in all competitions for United, but his last start for the club came against Manchester City in the 2023 FA Cup final. He made three substitute appearances in August 2023 before moving back to Dortmund on loan in January, where he scored three goals in 21 appearances.
His final outing in a United shirt came off the bench in their Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, but he was not included in the squad for the first two league games.
Sancho joins a club with plenty of competition for attacking places, with Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke among their roster.
Chelsea did also manage to move some players on during Deadline Day. Raheem Sterling secured a loan move to Arsenal on Deadline Day, while Trevoh Chalobah joined Crystal Palace, Armando Broja moved to Everton and Djordje Petrovic was loaned by Strasbourg.
Brentford 3-1 Southampton: Bees begin life after Toney with comfortable win
Brentford began life without Ivan Toney with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Southampton.
Bryan Mbeumo’s brace and a Yoane Wissa goal proved to be the difference between the two sides and condemned the Saints to their third straight loss since promotion back to the Premier League.
With departed striker Toney watching in the stands after his move to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, the hosts proved too strong for Russell Martin’s men. They created the superior chances and capitalised on an error-strewn performance from Southampton’s backline.
Mbeumo opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time before doubling the lead halfway through the second period and Wissa then got on the scoresheet moments later to continue Brentford’s strong start to the campaign. Yukinari Sugawara bagged a consolation in injury time for the Saints.
Brentford sit in fifth place ahead of the first international break, while Southampton are second-bottom of the league table with zero points.
Data debrief: Wissa continues to prove effective at home
Wissa now has five goals and two assists in his last seven matches at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford have recorded consecutive home league wins for the first time since last November, and the first time in their opening home games since August 2018.
Brentford 3-1 Southampton: Bees begin life without Toney with comfortable win
Brentford began life without Ivan Toney with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Southampton.
Bryan Mbeumo’s brace and a Yoane Wissa goal proved to be the difference between the two sides and condemned the Saints to their third straight loss since promotion back to the Premier League.
With departed striker Toney watching in the stands after his move to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, the hosts proved too strong for Russell Martin’s men. They created the superior chances and capitalised on an error-strewn performance from Southampton’s backline.
Mbeumo opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time before doubling the lead halfway through the second period and Wissa then got on the scoresheet moments later to continue Brentford’s strong start to the campaign. Yukinari Sugawara bagged a consolation in injury time for the Saints.
Brentford sit in fifth place ahead of the first international break, while Southampton are second-bottom of the league table with zero points.
Data debrief: Wissa continues to prove effective at home
Wissa now has five goals and two assists in his last seven matches at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford have recorded consecutive home league wins for the first time since last November, and the first time in their opening home games since August 2018.
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