Cristiano Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The Portuguese icon issued his opinions on a variety of topics including Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag, Gary Neville and his thoughts on the Glazers.
Clips first emerged on Sunday evening of Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan and have since continued with the full 90-minute interview set to be released on Wednesday evening and Thursday evening as part of two 45-minute specials.
The 37-year-old first expressed his desire to leave the club after they finished fifth in the 2021/22 Premier League table and thus did not achieve Champions League football. Chelsea, who had recently been acquired by American businessman Todd Boehly showed serious interest but the manager at the time Thomas Tuchel was firmly against the deal.
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In a club statement following clips of the interview going viral on social media, Manchester United said: "Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo. The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established."
Ronaldo re-joined United after spending 12 years away from the club with spells at Real Madrid and Juventus but after an impressive first season back where he scored 24 goals in all competitions, he has made just four Premier League starts in this campaign under Ten Hag.
Following the release of the full interview United may look to cancel Ronaldo's contract as he has seemingly made it clear he has no desire to continue playing for the club and while it is certainly a difficult situation for both, United can part ways with Ronaldo if they wish to because of a clause in his contract which seems to have been breached.
Simon Leaf, Head of Sport at Mishcon de Reya, told football.london: "What many people don't realise is that all Premier League players sign up to the same Premier League employment contract with their clubs.
"Under that agreement, Ronaldo is obliged to "comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the Club" and he is also not allowed to "write or say anything which is likely to bring the Club... into disrepute…or cause damage to the Club". The same clause goes on to suggest that he would have had to give Manchester United "reasonable notice of his intention to make any contributions to the public media".
"As a result, it would appear that Ronaldo is clearly in breach of his employment agreement, which under its terms, entitles the Club to terminate the contract.
"However, the club are caught between a rock and a hard place, as this termination right is subject to Ronaldo's right to appeal – especially as he seems to be suggesting that United are in breach of its own duties to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of its employees, which may extend to allowing Ronaldo time off in such difficult circumstances."
Following their woes in front of goal, Chelsea could re-ignite their interest in the five-time Champions League winner if his contract is cancelled by the Red Devils, especially with Graham Potter replacing Tuchel, who was the main opposer of a move in the summer, as Blues manager a few months ago.
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