Majority of Manchester United players 'think Cristiano Ronaldo should leave in January'

The majority of Manchester United players reportedly believe that Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window following his explosive interview.

Details of Ronaldo's discussion with Piers Morgan on TalkTV were made public on Sunday, and the full interview is set to air on Wednesday and Thursday night.

During the exchange, amongst a number of other things, Ronaldo criticised the club and head coach Erik ten Hag, claiming that he 'does not have respect' for the Dutchman.

The club's owners, in addition to former interim head coach Ralf Rangnick and Man United's all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney, have also come in for criticism from the 37-year-old.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the majority of Ronaldo's club teammates believe that he should not represent the club again due to his actions.

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The report claims that most of the first-team squad are expecting the Portugal international to leave before the January transfer window closes for business.

Ronaldo missed Man United's last two games ahead of the break for the World Cup through illness, but he has been training with his country this week, as Fernando Santos's side prepare for the World Cup.

The forward has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of the campaign, but it now seems probable that he will depart the 20-time English champions at the start of 2023.

Bruno Fernandes's awkward exchange with Ronaldo on international duty has been played down, but it is believed that there is 'friction' between the two players.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has allegedly made it clear to Man United that he does not want the Portuguese to represent the club again due to his explosive interview.

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Bayern Munich have recently been linked with a move for the forward, but it is believed that there has not been discussions over a move to Allianz Arena despite the recent speculation.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Graham Potter is said to be against a January move for the former Sporting Lisbon youngster amid the recent speculation over a possible switch to Stamford Bridge.

Ronaldo scored 24 goals for the Red Devils last season upon his return to the club from Juventus, but he has found it difficult to make his mark this term, only netting three times in 16 appearances.

Just one of the forward's goals this season have come in the Premier League, although the strike in question, which was against Everton last month, proved to be his 700th in club football.