Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim declared that Cristiano Ronaldo remains a very popular figure at his club as speculation over the Manchester United striker's future reaches fever pitch.
Ronaldo, 37, appears destined to leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window, 18 months on from his return, after his no-holds-barred interview with Piers Morgan was teased on Sunday night. The global superstar said he feels "betrayed" by the Red Devils and admitted there is a complete lack of respect between him and manager Erik ten Hag.
He may have returned to the fold after failing to manufacture an exit during the summer, but there is unlikely to be any way back for him this time round. United released a statement on Monday afternoon saying they will respond to their player's outburst once "the full facts have been established".
Suiters proved hard to come by for Ronaldo during the summer window, but United chiefs may be far more inclined to ensure he leaves the club this winter, before the situation can grow any more toxic. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has regularly been linked with a return to Sporting, where he came through the academy ranks before bursting onto the scene in the early 2000s.
The latest comments from the Portuguese giants' manager will only serve to increase speculation that Ronaldo could return to the Estadio Jose Alvalade. Amorim was pressed for his take on the latest situation involving the player on Sunday night and said, per O Jogo : "I've been asked this question a thousand times. Ronaldo is a Manchester United player.
"Everyone at Sporting likes him, there's not much to say. He himself says he wants to do things in peace to follow his future. He will decide his future. I won't be here telling you how things are for me. In the summer, it became obvious that things don't all pass me by. There's the club, there's the structure. He's a Manchester United player."
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Amorim was speaking after a 2-1 Primeira Liga victory at Famalicao and, like United, his side will compete in a Europa League play-off in February to progress to the last 16 of the competition. Sporting have been drawn against Midtylland, while the Red Devils face the daunting prospect of two legs against Barcelona to book their spot in the next round.
Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to continue playing in the Champions League in the twilight of his career; a move back to Sporting cannot help him in this regard, but an emotional return to a club in his homeland where he is loved may be the best option open to him.
