Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is 'furious' after being shown 'disrespect' by Old Trafford legend Cristiano Ronaldo, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The striker returned to the Red Devils for a second spell last year, but it seems he has all-but-ended his career with the club after taking part in an explosive interview.
GiveMeSport The Verdict
What's the latest news involving Ronaldo?
In a candid interview with journalist Piers Morgan, Ronaldo has revealed that he feels betrayed by Manchester United and ten Hag, along with senior executives, are trying to force him out of the club.
When asked about his feelings towards ten Hag, the 37-year-old claimed: "I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never going to have respect for you."
Manchester United have reacted to the interview, which is due to air later this week, by releasing a statement which insists they will only take action 'after full facts have been established'.
It comes just a matter of weeks after it emerged that Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute while the Red Devils secured a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and left Old Trafford before the final whistle.
The former Real Madrid man's actions led to him being dropped from Manchester United's squad for the trip to Chelsea days later.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Ronaldo?
Romano understands that ten Hag is enraged by Ronaldo's tell-all interview and the club are looking at ways to resolve the ongoing issues.
The respected Italian journalist believes the timing could not be worse for Manchester United and the Dutchman because Ronaldo has linked up with Portugal ahead of the World Cup.
Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "I'm told that Erik ten Hag, especially, and his staff are really furious because they see these kind of words as disrespect.
"For Erik ten Hag, it is also not easy now to manage the situation before the World Cup because it's Manchester United as a club and not just an Erik ten Hag problem. Of course, they are disappointed and they are working on it."
Is there any way back for Ronaldo at Manchester United?
Ronaldo told Manchester United that he wanted to leave during the summer transfer window, following the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League, and he will now almost certainly get his wish in January.
It would come as a huge surprise if ten Hag, who moved into the Old Trafford hot seat following the conclusion of last season, even thought about selecting the the five-time Ballon d’Or winner again after his latest public outburst.
Manchester United will now be keen to get Ronaldo, whose £480,000-per-week contract is due to expire in the summer, off the books as soon as possible.
It was previously reported that the Red Devils could release the 191-cap Portugal international if there are no takers in January and that could end up being the case.
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here