Gary Neville called for Cristiano Ronaldo’s career at Manchester United to come to an end.
The Portugal forward was excluded from the squad who drew with Chelsea on Saturday after failing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham earlier this week.
The incident is the latest in a long line of problems since Ronaldo returned to the club with whom he made his name.
Despite finishing as United’s top scorer last season, the 37-year-old was keen to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of Champions League football.
Ronaldo then missed most of preseason due to a personal issue but left the ground early during a friendly at home with Rayo Vallecano in August.
Handed only two Premier League starts by manager Erik ten Hag since, reports have suggested the club would be willing to let the forward leave, with his contract due to expire next summer.
Clearly, a big figure as grand as Ronaldo’s will split opinion. As one of the most high-profile players in the game, Neville and former teammate Roy Keane launched into a heated debate post-game when discussing their former teammate’s situation.
“End it this week or create a truce to get to the World Cup and then end it. Because this has to end,” said Neville.
”There aren’t many Manchester United fans who would now have Ronaldo in their starting eleven. They are better without him - they score more goals without him and they win more points without him. Manchester United are a better team without him.”
Keane then replied: “I couldn’t care less what fans think.
“A lot fans haven’t got a clue what’s going on.
Earlier in the broadcast, the former United captain said: “This game is full of bluffers, he isn’t one. He wants to play. He needs to play, a world class player.
“People say he’s not where he was 10 years ago – of course he’s not but he was the leading goalscorer for United last season in a really bad United team.”
