Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has continued his defence of Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s bombshell Piers Morgan interview by pinning all the blame on Erik ten Hag for the Manchester United great’s unhappiness.
Ronaldo took the nuclear option by turning on Red Devils boss Ten Hag, United’s board and some of his former team-mates during a 90-minute interview with the controversial Morgan on Sunday night.
The second part of the interview will be shown on Monday evening and United have already confirmed they will take action once ‘the full facts are known’.
The 37-year-old looks certain to be fined two weeks’ salary, which will likely cost him around £1million.
However, there could be more punishment to come depending on the content of the second part of the interview. United will also be looking to see if they can terminate his contract without having to pay any compensation.
Ronaldo has largely been condemned for his actions. However, Souness has a different take on the whole situation.
When asked if he believes Ten Hag has gone back on his word over Ronaldo‘s hopes of regular starts, Souness said: “I certainly do.
“I come back to it, there’s a meeting, two people speak, two people leave the room with an understanding and someone has not kept their word.
“He has never spoken. He feels it is time for him to come out and tell his side of the story. This is a player who in many people’s eyes is the greatest player to have ever kicked a ball.
Ten Hag has not stuck to his story
“I think he has been told a story and the manager has not kept it.
“Then you look at what has happened after this so-called agreement… he doesn’t bring him on against City out of respect.
“A couple of weeks later against Tottenham he wants to bring him on with two minutes to go when the game is won, what can Ronaldo do there? And then he makes him captain.
“Looking at it from both sides, I’ve been a player, I’ve been a manager. I think the player has a grievance and he is entitled to air his grievance.”
United now face more than a month without a game due to the World Cup break.
Their next outing is a clash with Burnley on December 21 in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
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