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 Guardianand 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
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.
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.
Featured Image — Cristiano Ronaldo (via Instagram)
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.