Manchester United players reportedly have growing resentment and anger over Cristiano Ronaldo's stubborn stance to leave Old Trafford for a shot at Champions League glory.
Manchester United stars are reportedly fed up with the ongoing transfer drama surrounding legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to leave Old Trafford for a shot at Champions League glory this season. Several players would reportedly prefer if the Portuguese icon just left instead of bearing the brunt of the current impasse between the 37-year-old icon and the club.
According to a report in The Sun, squad members have growing resentment and anger over Ronaldo's stubborn stance to leave Manchester United. Also, his attitude around the club has not gone well in the dressing room.
Quoting a source from the club, the report said, "It is starting to annoy a lot of players now. He (Ronaldo) does have his allies in the camp, but a lot are fed up with how he is going about things." The Portugal icon wants to leave Old Trafford just 12 months after his return, but the Red Devils are refusing to sell the striker, who has also struggled to find suitors across Europe.
Ronaldo reportedly had a gentleman's understanding with the club, which allowed him to depart if United failed to qualify for the Champions League. The Portuguese legend's trusted agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly pleaded with Chief Executive Richard Arnold to just name the player's price as he has a deal on the table for the 37-year-old to move to an unnamed club. However, the club's owners, the Glazers, assert that he is not for sale. Due to this, Ronaldo has become resentful.
Ronaldo did not go on Manchester United's pre-season tour, claiming 'family reasons'. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner played in the first half of the Red Devils' pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano but left the Theatre of Dreams before the final whistle.
New boss Erik ten Hag described the Portugal talisman's behaviour as 'unacceptable' and left him out of the starting lineup for Sunday's Premier League opener at home to Brighton. He came on in the 53rd minute but could not stop the team from going down to a 2-1 defeat. Will Ronaldo play in United's away game against Brentford on Saturday? Only time will tell, and in the meantime, fans would be hoping that the supposed tensed dressing room does not ruin their chances to seal their first Premier League win of the season.
Also read: Is Ten Hag pleased with Ronaldo's show despite Brighton defeat? Man United boss responds