The ripple effect from Cristiano Ronaldo’s bombshell interview isn’t just travelling throughout Manchester United but the Portugal camp too, it would seem.
Following his controversial comments in an exclusive with Piers Morgan released on Sunday, the 37-year-old travelled to join his compatriots ahead of the World Cup, but he wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by two of his fellow United teammates.
In footage released by the Portuguese FA, Bruno Fernandes can be seen entering the training camp and keeping somewhat of a distance as Ronaldo goes to greet him. It’s all in the face.
Bruno Fernandes gives Cristiano Ronaldo a frosty reception as Portugal meet for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/W5rDdMirc8
As you can see, Fernandes not only limits himself to a civil but brief handshake while Ronaldo looks on despondently, but the midfielder then goes on to share an affectionate private handshake with one teammate and then hugs another.
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Currently acting as one of the leaders in the United dressing room, often captaining the side given the recent absence of Harry Maguire, Bruno will have no doubt been upset by his friend and colleague’s comments — especially when they came after such a hard-fought win against Fulham on Sunday.
Several figures around Old Tafford are said to be “extremely disappointed” that veteran footballer, sporting icon and United legend (or at least he was) would “disrespect” the club like this.
To make matters worse, the ‘Portuguese Magnifico’ wasn’t the only one to seemingly snub CR7, as United right-back Diogo Dalot was also pictured looking less than chummy with his fellow club and countryman.
In not one but two different photos, Dalot can also be seen keeping his distance from Ronaldo and one image, in particular, has unlimited meme potential.
We’d say these don’t look so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that even Portgual decided to crop his expression out of the right-most photo on their own Instagram.
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‘Smile for the camera!’Oh, nevermind…Credit: Portugal (via Instagram)
Some people are arguing that too much is being made of these images, especially given they were released by the team themselves. However, when you consider how these players normally are on the pitch, not to mention how friendly they are with their national hero usually, there is a marked difference.
Ronaldo is a player that both Bruno and Dalot, like the rest of their country, have obviously admired growing up in Portugal and have regularly displayed camaraderie with since Ronaldo returned to United.
With that in mind, even if they intend to play happy families for the sake of the tournament, it’s fair to say they haven’t made the best start when it comes to keeping up appearances.
The route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes revealed ahead of Manchester debut
Danny Jones
The route for next year’s women’s historic Tour de France has been announced, with some of the best riders in the world set to pass through Greater Manchester and more.
Yet another big coup for the region and our sporting scene.
Speaking with the City Council, now that the full route has been revealed, our very own Dame Sarah Storey joined many in celebrating another huge moment for us; the female Tour de France is not just back up and running, but aiming to become bigger than ever.
🚴♀️ The world’s best cyclists are heading to Manchester! 🚴♀️
The routes for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027 have now been revealed, with Manchester set to host the Stage One finish on Friday 30 July and the Stage Two start on Saturday 31 July. pic.twitter.com/OMMlhdorqP
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 21, 2026
The Stockport-born swimmer turned Team GB cyclist and multi-Olympic gold medallist knows all about what makes this particular sport special, having swapped a previous and highly successful career for an entirely different discipline.
As has now been fully confirmed, the 2027 Grand Départ will be getting underway with our friends in Leeds, before heading through Yorkshire and into Greater Manchester.
Upon entering our neck of the woods, the course will pass through the likes of Rochdale and Oldham into Manchester city centre, before heading into Stockport and neighbouring North West county, Derbyshire, and finally heading back through the Peaks.
Spread across two incredible days, the race itself will finish in Sheffield, with another UK first happening down in London, as the capital will also host the inaugural team time trial held in this country.
You can see the official event’s breakdown of what locations feature in which stages of ‘The Big Loop’ in more detail below.
Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, went on to add: “Being able to watch the world’s best cyclists in action and in such an iconic event, taking place right here on our doorstep in the heart of Manchester next summer, is going to be epic on so many levels.
“Championing women and girls to participate in and enjoy sports – including cycling – at all levels from entry through to elite, is really important to us and next year’s Tour de France Femmes is set to play a huge part in helping inspire the next generation of sporting talent from our city.
“With millions of spectators expected to line the routes, including here in the city centre, we’ll be going all out to help ensure the event’s success with what is set to be a ‘Tour takeover’ of the city to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses to get involved, to grow their own sporting skills, and to take part in the many community activities being planned.”
Having hosted everything from the BRITs and the MOBO Awards to another Super League Grand Finals in both netball and rugby, not to mention numerous other huge events over the past couple of years, it truly is a great time to be living in Greater Manchester.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Manchester City Council)
Sport
adidas and JD are giving away FREE Nell’s pizza with a Manchester Marathon medal
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Marathon finishers will be able to reward themselves with free Nell’s pizza this weekend, thanks to a collaboration with adidas and JD.
The sportswear giants will be teaming up with one of the city’s top pizza spots to hand out the ultimate post-race reward at Kampus this Sunday.
It’s all to celebrate the launch of the new adidas EVO SL ATRs, a shoe that’s built with running miles in mind.
And there’ll be a chance to grab an exclusive t-shirt too, and have your official marathon finish time branded on-site.
adidas and JD are giving away FREE Nell’s pizza with a Manchester Marathon medal / Credit: Supplied
As well as a free slice of Nell’s famous New York-style pizza and a drink, Manchester Marathon finishers will be able to enter into a range of giveaways, with prizes including the EVO SL ART, adidas merch, and range of other prizes.
And you’ll be recovering with a slice in hand and a live DJ keeping the post-race energy high
All you need to do is show your Manchester Marathon medal at Nell’s at Kampus, to grab your free slice, and check out adidas and JD’s latest drop.
Friends and family are encouraged to join too – after all, all runners know a marathon isn’t possible without that support crew.
There are also a bunch of giveaways and more to look forward to / Credit: Supplied
Pizza slices will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure your sprint to Nell’s is your fastest yet.
Thankfully, the adidas EVO SL’s are built for speed…
adidas x JD x Nell’s – Manchester Marathon event
Taking place on Sunday 19 April, from 12pm to 8pm
Free pizza slice and a drink when you show your Manchester Marathon medal (while stocks last)
Exclusive merch and great prize giveaways from adidas and JD
Plus photo moments, live DJs, and more
Find it at The Bungalow, Kampus, M1 3GL (next to Nell’s)
Danny Jones -
15th November 2022 
