Manchester United have "initiated appropriate steps" after Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive television interview cast doubt on his future at Old Trafford.

The Premier League club issued an update on Friday to confirm steps are under way, but they did not specify what action they were taking.

Ronaldo, 37, roundly criticised the club when he spoke to broadcaster Piers Morgan.

The Portugal star took aim at manager Erik ten Hag, United's ownership under the Glazer family, and several other members of the club's hierarchy.

United's statement read: "Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview.

"We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion."

There has been speculation United could terminate the contract of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who returned for a second spell with the Red Devils in August of last year.

Ronaldo's former United team-mate Gary Neville has urged the club to get rid of the former Real Madrid and Juventus forward, who is away with Portugal and preparing for the World Cup. Portugal were leaving Lisbon on Friday for their Qatar mission.

"l don't think he wants a way back," Neville told 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.

"I'm wondering what Man Utd 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."

Ronaldo top-scored for United with 24 goals in all competitions last term, but he reportedly asked to leave the club following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

He has fallen out of favour since Ten Hag took charge ahead of this campaign, regularly featuring as a substitute in the Premier League, and refusing to come off the bench in a game against Tottenham in October.

Ronaldo said in the TalkTV interview: "I feel betrayed. I felt that some people didn't want me here not only this year, but last year too."

Bruno Fernandes says he has "no problem" with Cristiano Ronaldo following his Manchester United and Portugal team-mate's explosive interview.

Ronaldo told TalkTV he felt betrayed by United and spoke of how his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag has broken down, also criticising club owners the Glazer family.

Footage emerged of Fernandes seemingly giving Ronaldo a frosty reception when they reported for international duty ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this week.

United defender Raphael Varane stated that the Ronaldo saga had "obviously affected" the club.

Yet Fernandes says he has no issue with the forward as Portugal prepare to face Ghana in their first match of the tournament next Thursday.

The midfielder told Sky Sports: "I didn't read the interview so I'm okay with that. As I said before, now it's the national team, it's Portugal. The coach made a point that it's us, he made that point since I came with the national team in 2017.

"That is still clear, that in his mind the main thing here is the national team and us, so we have to be focused on the World Cup.

"You don't have a chance to play a World Cup many times – Cristiano did really well to play five times, this will be his fifth time – so everyone is ready for that, everyone wants to give their best for the team."

Fernandes added: "This is the national team, Manchester United will be my focus after the World Cup, after December 18, because that is the final.

"I have no problem with anyone. I do my job. You have to control yourself, give your best and that's it."

Joao Felix backed Portugal to go all the way at the World Cup after Fernando Santos welcomed a selection headache following a 4-0 friendly thrashing of Nigeria.

Bruno Fernandes' first-half double, coupled with late strikes for Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario, saw Santos' side to a comfortable triumph on Thursday before setting off for Qatar.

Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix did not manage to get on the scoresheet but impressed in Lisbon, with Santos noting a credible performance from the 23-year-old.

"He was one of the best, with some others. They were all better, nobody plays alone," the Portugal coach said.

"Joao played a good game too, at the level of what the others did. I have 26 players knocking on the door. Every day they knock on my door in training.

"They all knock on the door and they all have reasons to play. That's certainly good for the coach."

Joao Felix suggested he enjoys more attacking freedom for Portugal than Atletico Madrid, as he backed Santos' side for glory in Qatar, where they face Ghana in their Group H opener next Thursday.

"I have more freedom of movement with the national team because we are very mobile," he said. "I felt good and the team had a great game.

"I think we are prepared to win the World Cup. We looked for the goal and I helped the team, which is my mission as a striker. 

"The goals did not appear in this game, but they will happen in the World Cup."

Santos will also have to consider the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed the friendly victory due to "illness" as the aftermath of his scathing interview on Manchester United continues.

Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of facing the "magic" Lionel Messi in the World Cup final as two footballing greats head into the twilight of their careers.

The 37-year-old Ronaldo will hope to help Portugal escape Group H, where they face Ghana next Thursday before clashes against Uruguay and South Korea.

Messi, 35, heads to Qatar with one of the pre-tournament favourites, Argentina, who start Group C against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, with meetings against Mexico and Poland to follow.

Having battled for centre stage against former Barcelona star Messi for numerous years, ex-Real Madrid forward Ronaldo admitted he would love to face his old foe in the World Cup showpiece on December 18.

"It's too good, too good of a dream," Ronaldo told Piers Morgan on TalkTV in his wide-ranging interview, in which he criticised Manchester United, senior figures at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.

The pair share 12 Ballon d'Or titles between them, with Messi's record-breaking seven two more than Ronaldo's haul, surmising a dominant period in elite football between the evergreen duo.

Messi now plays his club football with Paris Saint-Germain, while Ronaldo's time at United appears to be heading to an abrupt end amid the furore of his scathing interview on his current employers.

The Portugal international, despite the revered battles between the pair throughout their respective careers, assured he has a "great relationship" with Messi, who he would like to sit down for a meal with.

"He is an amazing player, he is magic. As a person, he is top. We shared the stage for 16 years, imagine," he added.

"I have a great relationship with him. I'm not a friend of him in terms of the guy who is at your house, speaking on the phone, no, but he is like a team-mate.

"He's a guy that I really respect the way he always speaks about me. Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect and they're both from Argentina. 

"What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football."

Blaugrana legend Messi has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer or a fairytale reunion with Barca, who he left amid well-documented financial difficulties at Camp Nou in August 2021.

The future of Ronaldo appears unlikely to remain with United, though he suggested he would like to call an end to his playing career aged 40.

"I want to play two years more, three years more. So two or three years maximum," he continued.

"I want to finish at 40. I think 40, will be a good age… But I don't know, I don't know the future.

"Sometimes you plan one thing for your life and as have said many times, life is dynamic. You never know what's going to happen."

Cristiano Ronaldo remains optimistic about Portugal's chances at the World Cup in Qatar, who he thinks will host a "good tournament" despite ongoing human rights concerns.

Portugal captain Ronaldo missed Fernando Santos' side cruise past Nigeria 4-0 in their final warm-up game on Thursday before FIFA's global tournament.

Coach Santos cited illness issues for the 37-year-old amid the furore of his scathing interview on Manchester United with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

While the former Real Madrid forward hit out at United, their staff and directors, Ronaldo suggested Portugal have a chance at the World Cup, where they face Ghana in their Group H opener next Thursday.

"I am very optimistic. We have a fantastic coach, we have a good generation of football players," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said.

"I'm looking forward to it, we're going to an amazing World Cup… [It’s] going to be tough. Extremely difficult. But everything is possible, of course we're going to compete."

After labelling a host of pre-tournament favourites, such as Argentina, Spain and Brazil, Ronaldo said he would retire immediately if Portugal won the tournament.

The United forward believes England also have a "chance" in Qatar, who came under widespread scrutiny for their human rights treatment after being awarded hosting rights by FIFA.

Captains of 10 European sides will wear heart-adorned armbands, raising awareness for the OneLove campaign against discrimination in a country where same-sex relationships are prohibited.

FIFA has repeatedly called for nations to focus on football, much to the disappointment of many supporters and countries, though Ronaldo feels Qatar will prove a capable host.

"All the national teams, the people will be welcomed in Qatar, and I see a good tournament to be honest," he added.

"I think Qatar; they are prepared. They are prepared for that [the backlash].

"It will be weird to play at the beginning of the season. But in the same way, it is a challenge. I think it's good. I feel good and with good energy."

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."

Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Portugal eased to a 4-0 victory over Nigeria in their sole World Cup warm-up game, despite missing captain Cristiano Ronaldo through illness.

Fernando Santos' side produced a dominant showing in Lisbon on Thursday amid the ongoing furore over the absent Ronaldo's scathing interview on Manchester United.

Fernandes' first-half double, the latter from the penalty spot, set Portugal on their way in their final outing ahead of Qatar, before Goncalo Ramos scored after Emmanuel Dennis missed a second-half spot-kick.

Joao Mario added a late fourth and Portugal will now turn their attention to next Thursday's Group H opener against Ghana as they aim to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in four tournaments.

Fernandes miscued an effort just wide in the opening stages but made amends after nine minutes as he turned home Diogo Dalot's cutback pass.

Joao Felix curled narrowly over before Bright Osayi-Samuel was adjudged to have handled inside the area, with Fernandes sending Francis Uzoho the wrong way with his spot-kick.

A host of half-time changes did little to alter Portugal's dominance, though Samuel Chukwueze forced a rare Rui Patricio save before Uzoho tipped over from Joao Felix.

The VAR deemed Dalot to have shoved Osayi-Samuel inside the area, though Patricio saved Dennis' penalty before Ramos sealed victory by tapping in Raphael Guerreiro's unselfish pass.

A simple Joao Felix offload teed up the final goal as Joao Mario prodded into an empty net.

What does it mean? Santos' side in cruise control ahead of Qatar

The ongoing controversy surrounding five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo could have easily derailed Portugal, though that did not prove the case in a routine win.

Santos' side dominated from the first minute without their talisman and will be confident of escaping Group H, which also includes Uruguay and South Korea.

However, the likes of Ghana and Uruguay – the latter with the likes of Federico Valverde, Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez – will prove much sterner tasks than Nigeria in Qatar.

Fernandes refutes Ronaldo deputy tag

All the talk in the build-up to the friendly surrounded Fernandes' United team-mate Ronaldo, though it was the midfielder who shone at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Fernandes has regularly played the backing role to Ronaldo at Old Trafford and Portugal, but offered a timely reminder of his qualities with two goals as well as misplacing just three of his 37 passes.

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While Portugal impressed without their star attacker, Nigeria were left wanting in their forward line as Terem Moffi failed to deliver.

The 23-year-old completed just six of his 11 passes and managed 15 touches – the fewest of any outfield starter – before his second-half removal.

What's next?

Portugal's curtain-raiser comes against Ghana in Doha, while Nigeria are not scheduled for action until facing Guinea-Bissau in Africa Cup of Nations qualification in March.

The A-League are exploring a shock move for Cristiano Ronaldo with his Manchester United career appearing to be almost certainly over.

The Portugal captain, who made a sensational return to United early last season, looks to have curtailed his second spell at Old Trafford after a fiery interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV.

Ronaldo criticised Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag and owners the Glazer family, also claiming senior figures had attempted to push him out despite reports he sought an exit before this season started.

The 37-year-old's focus is now on the World Cup in Qatar amid uncertainty over his future.

Australian Professional Leagues CEO Danny Townsend on Thursday revealed he has contacted Ronaldo's representative Jorge Mendes in a bold attempt to bring him to Australia.

Nani is plying his trade at Melbourne Victory, but Townsend says he has not tried to get the winger to help him to lure his former United and Portugal team-mate to the A-League.

"We haven't been in Nani's ear, but we've certainly registered our interest in bringing [Ronaldo] to Australia," he told SportFM.

"It's obviously a long shot, but we certainly have a proposition here in Australia for him to consider. We're in dialogue and we'll see where that goes."

Ronaldo's grandparents live in Australia, which Townsend will no doubt hope might tempt him to move to the A-League.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in Portugal's World Cup warm-up game against Nigeria on Thursday because of illness, according to head coach Fernando Santos.

The Portugal boss also dismissed concerns about Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised his club, Manchester United.

The player did not say anything derogatory about his national team, though he did receive a frosty reception from compatriot and United team-mate Bruno Fernandes when he arrived to prepare for the World Cup in Qatar, which begins on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference, Santos said: "Ronaldo has gastritis and did not train today in order to recover and rest. It's a condition that doesn't help much as it affects the players a lot, they lose a lot of liquid, they weaken. He won't be ready for tomorrow, for sure."

Santos also denied that it was an excuse for Ronaldo to stay out of the limelight while the media continues to discuss his comments about the likes of United boss Erik ten Hag and the general state of the club he rejoined last year.

"[Ronaldo] didn't have to inform us about the interview," Santos added. "Isn't he free [to make his decisions]?

"What I'm interested in is what is being spoken about in our camp and not what is being said outside. We have to respect his decision.

"We have to respect the interview he gave. It has nothing to do with the national team."

Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against Ghana on November 24, before also taking on Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.

Rafael Leao is very happy in Italy, according to his father, though he also credited Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea with an interest in his son.

The Milan forward was named the best player in Serie A last season after his 11 goals in 34 games helped the Rossoneri win their first Scudetto since 2010-11.

Leao's contract at San Siro expires in 2024, with a number of Europe's top clubs consistently being credited with an interest in him, and his father has named three of them but also did not rule out an extension at Milan.

In an interview with Record, Antonio Leao said: "He feels very comfortable in Milan because the cultures are similar. The Italian club has done a lot for him, but he has become the best player in that league. He is simply the best.

"There is time until the date of 2024 and we will take care of everything, without necessarily Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"He loves being in Italy. He has a predilection for Italians, the one the Portuguese do not have for him.

"He won the award for best player in Serie A not because he was beautiful, but simply… because he is the best."

Leao has scored six in 14 Serie A games for Milan this season, with a further one in six Champions League outings.

He has been named among the 26-man Portugal squad for the World Cup in Qatar, and could feature in their opening game against Ghana on November 24.

Cristiano Ronaldo's scathing criticism of Manchester United will not have an impact on Portugal's quest for World Cup glory in Qatar, insists midfielder Joao Mario.

Ronaldo has endured a torrid season after reportedly expressing his desire to leave Old Trafford in the transfer window, making just four Premier League starts and only scoring once in the competition.

Having been temporarily exiled from first-team activities by Erik ten Hag after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham last month, Ronaldo's United future is again in doubt following his decision to grant an explosive interview to Piers Morgan.

In early excerpts published from the interview, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner claimed to have been "betrayed" by United and said he has no respect for Ten Hag.

Ronaldo is set to begin his fifth and likely final World Cup campaign this month, and international team-mate Joao Mario does not believe Portugal will suffer for the 37-year-old's actions.

"I don't see a problem with the timing, so it's fine for us," Joao Mario said at a press conference on Tuesday. 

"I don't think it puts further pressure on him or on us. We're used to dealing with great pressure.

"It's not the first time that a player comes to the national team having a problem with his club. One of the advantages is that we put everything to the side when we are here. 

"When we get to the national team, it's another working group and we try to focus on what's most important.

"The headlines are always about him. Honestly, every time we come to the national team, the first questions asked are always about Ronaldo. The focus is always on him, and we are used to that.

"He is always happy when he is with national team. I saw him yesterday and he is fine, as always when he arrives here. 

"He is totally focused on the national team and he is going to be a big help for us at the World Cup."

Portugal will begin their Group H campaign against Ghana on November 24 after taking on Nigeria in a pre-tournament friendly on Thursday.

Having scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, Ronaldo could become the first player to score in five different editions of the tournament when he takes to the field in Qatar.

However, all seven of his World Cup goals to date have come in the group stage – no player has scored more goals at the tournament without finding the net in a knockout game.

Liverpool's Fabio Carvalho has opted to stop representing Portugal at Under-21 level.

Carvalho – who has made 11 Premier League appearances in his first campaign with the Reds, scoring twice – previously played for England at younger age levels.

The attacking midfielder most recently made six appearances for England's Under-18s between 2019 and 2020.

Having not yet played at senior international level, he could pursue a career with the Three Lions after deciding to step back from playing for the country of his birth.

Carvalho had been named in Rui Jorge's Portugal Under-21 squad for upcoming friendlies against the Czech Republic and Japan before the 20-year-old informed the Portuguese Football Federation [FPF] of the move.

A statement from the FPF read: "Fabio Carvalho informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intend to continue representing Portugal at the under-21 level.

"This decision by the player was communicated after the call-up for the preparation games with the Czech Republic and Japan was known."

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frosty reception from Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes as they reunited for Portugal's World Cup preparations.

The superstar forward, who has cut a frustrated figure at Old Trafford this term following an off-season spent reportedly seeking an exit, roundly criticised the club in an interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan. 

In excerpts published ahead of the full discussion, Ronaldo took aim at boss Erik ten Hag, United's ownership under the Glazer family, and several other members of their hierarchy.

His comments have been widely criticised since, though with United now not in domestic action until after Qatar 2022, Ronaldo's interaction with club-mates was always going to be minimised.

That is not the case with fellow Portugal international Fernandes, however, who appeared to snub Ronaldo upon meeting him as part of Fernando Santos' squad earlier this week.

In a video published by the team's official social media channels, the midfielder seems to ignore his team-mate's outstretched hand on arrival into the dressing room, only to turn back and shake before walking away.

Portugal will hope any disharmony between the two can quickly be put to one side with the duo key figures in their hopes of success.

They begin their World Cup campaign against Ghana on November 24 in Group H, before further fixtures against Uruguay and South Korea.

Cristiano Ronaldo says his "absolute focus" will be on Portugal at the World Cup amid the furore of his scathing interview on Manchester United.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner criticised United manager Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick and senior figures at Old Trafford in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, which will be released in full on Wednesday.

Ronaldo said he felt "betrayed" by United and claimed no progress had been made by the club since Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.

United subsequently responded with a statement on Monday noting the interview and vowed to reply "after the full facts have been established".

The 37-year-old on Monday stated his focus will be fully on playing for Portugal in Qatar ahead of their Group H opener against Ghana on November 24.

"Total and absolute focus on national team work. United group, towards one objective: realise the dream of all Portuguese people!," he posted on Instagram.

His post a picture of himself with Portugal team-mates at training despite missing United's past two matches due to "illness".

The Red Devils beat Fulham 2-1 without Ronaldo on Sunday and are fifth in the Premier League, three points behind Tottenham with a game in hand.

Portugal captain Ronaldo will hope to help his country to World Cup glory in the Middle East, where Fernando Santos' side will also face Uruguay and South Korea in Group C.

The World Cup break is "a danger" for Alejandro Garnacho as the rising star's momentum could be stifled, according to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Garnacho struck a 93rd-minute winner as a second-half substitute to rescue United a 2-1 victory in Sunday's Premier League contest with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Argentina Under-20 international, who is not part of Lionel Scaloni's senior squad for Qatar 2022, now has two goals and two assists in his past four appearances.

While impressed by the youngster's form, Ten Hag is worried five weeks without playing a competitive match could work against Garnacho.

"It is still a long way to go. He has to keep his feet on the ground – it’s the whole team now," Ten Hag said.

"He has to do much more investment as he'll be recognisable for everyone, so it’s much more important to every time confirm it, big players know that, young players don't know.

"Now it's a four-week break, that's already a danger for him because now has momentum. It's good in the season and let's see how he's coming back.

"We have to manage that, manage that with him. His attitude is good and I'm certain he will have an impact. The danger is four weeks, no games, lose focus, less investment.

"It's only when he stays with the same attitude he's shown the last three, four or five weeks that his progress will keep going. If not it goes the other way."

At 18 years and 135 days, Garnacho is the youngest player to net a 90th-minute Premier League winner since Federico Macheda for United against Aston Villa in April 2009.

Daniel James earlier cancelled out Christian Eriksen's opener, making him the 10th different player to score against United in the competition having previously played for them.

United's hard-fought victory in south London was overshadowed later on Sunday when Cristiano Ronaldo revealed in an interview he feels "betrayed" by the club.

Ronaldo has sat out United's past two matches through illness, but Ten Hag expects the superstar forward to be fit in time for Portugal's upcoming World Cup campaign.

Ten Hag, speaking ahead of the Ronaldo interview being released, said: "He's ill, but I don't think it's bad and we are confident [he'll make the World Cup."

United face Burnley in the EFL Cup fourth round on their return to action on December 19, before hosting Nottingham Forest in the league eight days later.