News

Manchester United are set to sack and sue Cristiano Ronaldo over Piers Morgan interview

Ronaldo's legacy is well and truly out the window.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 18th November 2022

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract and file a lawsuit against him following his incendiary Piers Morgan interview.

The 37-year-old’s explosive sit down with Morgan saw him level a number of allegations at United and their owners, accusing of them having a lack of empathy following the death of his newborn son and young daughter’s illness shortly after, as well as trying to push him out of the club.

Now, according to outlets like The Guardian and Manchester Evening News, the sporting superstar is not only expected to be sacked but also sued for breach of contract as a result of his various claims.

Since the now infamous interview, Ronaldo’s image has been stripped from the front of Old Trafford and the club has already revealed that they have now initiated “appropriate steps”. While the details are yet to be confirmed, we all know this is only ending one way.

Although the Portuguese footballing icon is currently away with his national side ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday 20 November, it is understood that he has been instructed not to return to the club’s Carrington training complex and will not play in red again after the tournament.

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United are said to have lawyered up and are now ready to sue Ronaldo with the aim of seeking a “swift resolution” to the torrid situation that has sprung from returning to the side which launched his illustrious career.

The club have insisted they will not be commenting further on the matter until “the process reaches its conclusion”, but already expressed their “extreme disappointment” over his behaviour earlier this week.

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Among his various statements including the confession that he has “no respect” for current United coach Erik ten Hag and that the club has seen no progression or real investment in the years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, he also took aim at both present and former teammates.

While CR7 kept names in and around the current dressing room close to his chest, he did take aim at the likes of Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville over their criticism as pundits, insisting they are “not friends”.

The Salford City boss admitted his sadness that things have ended this way but reiterated that he still “admires” the all-time leading club and international goalscorer.

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Not many Reds would have dreamt that this fairytale return to the club would end in United suing Ronaldo, but here we are. Still, after numerous tantrums like refusing to come on against Spurs and leaving the ground early — twice — we imagine many fans will just be happy to see the saga done with.

So much for ‘Viva Ronaldo’.

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Featured Image — Cristiano Ronaldo (via Instagram)

News

Man United broadcaster FlexUTD responds after suffering ‘awful’ racist abuse on camera

Danny Jones Danny Jones FlexUTD responds after racist abuse by woman in post-match video Man United

Manchester United content creator, YouTuber and digital presenter, FlexUTD, has shared a disappointed but defiant response following a racist incident captured during a video after the game this weekend.

Flex – real name Flex Alexander – is a familiar face among Man United fans and a well-known personality across the online English football culture, having previously worked with another popular fan channel in The United Stand before founding his own brand, United View.

Whilst recording his regular post-match analysis outside Old Trafford after the 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, the social media influencer was interrupted by a woman and fellow United supporter.

After seemingly giving someone a quick shout-out, she then proceeds to wander out of frame before appearing to utter a racial slur off-camera in the form of an offensive twist on the fan base’s famous anti-Glazer chant.

racist woman on man united fan cam
racist abuse united view
Credit: United View (via YouTube)

In the video shared to the official YouTube channel, he is visibly stunned by the racist outburst and members of the crew behind the camera can also be heard asking, “Did you just see what I think you said?”, adding “There’s always one or two.”

The identity of the female United fan is still unknown and although her face remains blurred for legal reasons, Flex himself did come out on social media to ask people to “find this woman” in order for the club to identify her and the authorities to punish her accordingly.

Still taken aback by the racial slur, Flex simply goes on to describe the off-hand abuse as “crazy” before insisting that the moment will be staying the full edit so as not to let the incident go unnoticed.

Ever since the video was released, other Reds, football fans and content creators alike have been sharing their support online.

One person wrote, “It’s 2024 and we’re still seeing people saying racist things and they think they can get away with it. Hope Flex gets justice for this.”, while another tagged the club and added: “Can’t be having these type of fans enter the stadium.”

Flex has since responded online in a separate video, thanking people for their heartfelt messages, but despite assuring that he has a “thick skin”, he quite rightly went on to add that people of colour shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of intolerable behaviour and he is simply “tired”.

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Retired striker and former United coach Benni McCarthy also reached out online to offer some kind words, writing: “Hi mate, hope you [are] ok. That was absolutely unnecessary and you shouldn’t have to deal with such behaviour. Stay strong bro and behind you all the way.”

The club themselves are yet to issue a statement regarding the incident but with both current players and former staff responding, it likely won’t be long before the individual is identified and issued with a ban. United had to deal with similar incidents regarding racism and homophobia last season.

It goes without saying that we condemn discrimination in all its forms; our thoughts go out to Flex and everyone else affected by the incident and hope the incident is dealt with swiftly. The beautiful game is for everyone and there’s no room for racism in any walk of life. #KickItOut.

You can watch Flex’s full video addressing the situation, in which he urged people to “stay strong, keep fighting” and “stick together”, down below:

FlexUTD’s full response following the appalling racist incident on 4/11/2024.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — United We Stand (via YouTube)/FlexUTD (via X)

News

Family pays tribute to ‘big family man’ found dead 10 days after going missing

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Tributes have been paid to David Edmonds after his body was found. Credit: GMP

The family of a man who was found dead in Wigan 10 days after he was reported missing have now paid a touching tribute to him.

David Edmonds, 55, has been described by his loved ones as a ‘big family man’ who loved sports, travel and his family.

David had been missing for nine days after last being seen in the Bodmin Drive area of Platt Bridge at around 11pm on Sunday 20 October.

Tragically after extensive searches, on Wednesday 30 October police found a body, later confirmed as David.

His wife has now released a statement on behalf of his family, describing him as a ‘happy chap’ who was well-loved by his family, friends and colleagues.

She said: “He was a hard worker and worked all his life. His first job was with his father at a local factory, and he worked there from a young age up until recently.

“He was a big Everton supporter and loved going to the matches. He held season tickets since he was a child. David liked all sports and watching anything with a ball, cricket, football, and rugby, especially Wigan rugby.

“He also liked horse racing; we would go to the races in York every year.

“He loved going on holiday and we travelled a lot together, we went to Australia, New York, Tenerife, and Benidorm.

“David was a big family man and adored his three nephews. He will be missed by all of us, he was so loved.

“We would like to thank the police and everyone who shared appeals on social media or went out searching for David.”

David’s family have asked for privacy whilst they grieve his loss.

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Featured image: GMP

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