Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘brutally axed’ in front of the whole Manchester United squad by Erik ten Hag.

This is according to a new report from The Sun, who claim that Ten Hag hosted a two-hour summit meeting with the players on August 18 - five days after the team’s shambolic 4-0 defeat away at Brentford.

It was reported earlier this week that Ten Hag cancelled United players’ scheduled day off following the humiliating defeat, forcing the players on a gruelling 13.8-kilometre (8.5 miles) run in 33-degree heat as punishment for such a pitiful performance.

However, Ten Hag reportedly joined in with the run himself and was left “physically shattered” afterwards, his pain making “a deep impression on his players”.

Then, on the Thursday, Ten Hag called the players together and asked them to air any grievances without the threat of repercussions.

It was during this meeting that the no-nonsense Dutchman told Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire that they wouldn’t be in the starting line-up for the following Monday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United warms up with Harry Maguire of Manchester United prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

How did Cristiano Ronaldo react to be axed by Ten Hag?

The Sun understand that Ronaldo didn’t speak during the meeting - which may come as a surprise to fans, considering he’s the team’s most experienced and successful star -  despite having the opportunity to do so.

The report adds that Ten Hag is ‘sick of the Ronaldo circus that threatens to undermine his rebuilding job’.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on August 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

He reportedly wants the 37-year-old out of the club - a scenario that would appear to suit all parties at this stage.

Other members of the squad spoke up during the meeting but the message from Ten Hag was made crystal clear: it’s his way or the highway.

What else was said during Ten Hag's meeting with Man Utd squad?

Among the players to speak was Marcus Rashford who, the report claims, asked Ten Hag when he would be deployed as a No. 9.

The England international was told he’d be leading the line against Liverpool and went on to produce his best performance in a long time against Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring the second goal in United’s shock 2-1 victory.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on August 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Ten Hag, who was already coming under pressure following back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford, now has credit in the bank with fans following Monday’s excellent win over Liverpool.

But a repeat performance will be expected against Southampton on Saturday lunchtime to prove their eye-catching display wasn’t merely a one-off.

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