Manchester United to consider terminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract in January

Manchester United will consider terminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract in January after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, according to The Telegraph.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticised the club and its manager in the controversial interview that has dominated the headlines since its release.

The striker claimed he has no respect for Erik ten Hag and accused United of betraying him. The club is extremely disappointed with Ronaldo’s comments, and they are now weighing up their options, including whether to fine him or take further disciplinary action. 

The Telegraph reports that those options include reaching an agreement with the 37-year-old to let him leave for free in January by terminating his contract, which runs until June next year.

Although United still reserve the right to extend his contract by an additional year, the second season of his homecoming has seen more gloom than glitter.

The club is considering tearing up his contract, but only if the former Real Madrid striker does not demand a pay-off for the remainder of his deal.

However, there are suspicions that Ronaldo will demand payment for the final six months of his highly-lucrative contract, understood to be worth around £560,000 per week, which makes him the highest-paid player in United’s history.

Ronaldo will likely not feature for United anymore after the damning interview. With club football on hold until mid-December, United will have enough time to evaluate the interview and decide what to do.

United were reportedly prepared to let Ronaldo leave at the end of the season after he asked his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a Champions League club.

After speaking to several parties, Chelsea looked the most likely option, with Todd Boehly keen, but former manager Thomas Tuchel was against the move.

It remains to be seen if the club will return for Ronaldo with Graham Potter now in charge.