The Cristiano Ronaldo saga rolls on and after having taken aim at countless Manchester United figures, both and present, many are firing back — Gary Neville being one of them.
The former United right-back turned Salford owner and Sky Sports pundit is one of many who the 37-year-old footballer chose to target in his incendiary interview with Piers Morgan on Sunday.
Speaking in the Uncensored exclusive, Ronaldo said of Neville and ex-strike-partner Wayne Rooney: “They don’t really know what’s going on at the training ground, they have to listen to my point of view as well. It’s easy to criticise if they don’t know the whole story.
He went on to add, “they are not my friends, they are colleagues. We played together but we’re not having dinner together”, insisting “they keep criticising me with negativity every time.
Responding to his former teammate’s comments, Neville said that it’s clear Ronaldo‘s second chapter at United has closed and will inevitably be released.
After being asked if he expects CR7 to wear his famous red shirt again, Neville simply replied “no, and l don’t think he wants a way back”, arguing that “he wouldn’t have done this interview if he wanted a way back. He knew it would bring the headlines it has and be the end of his Manchester United career.”
The 47-year-old went on to question why United are hesitating to sack the clearly wantaway player, saying that “they know they have to terminate Cristiano’s contract or they basically open up a precedent so any player can criticise them in the future”.
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Conceding that the sporting icon’s remarks regarding the Glazers and investment in the club we’re accurate, as any other right-minded Red would, he also alluded to them being very obvious and curiously timed given his convenient silence in the past.
It seems clearer than ever that the Portuguese star did the interview knowing full well the outcome he wanted and in hopes of securing a move elsewhere, having reportedly tried to leave United in the previous window. Either way, Neville reiterated that he still has respect for his old clubmate.
🗣️ "I would still shake Cristiano's hand, he may not shake mine."
He went on to say he accepts that he lives “in a world of criticism” and that the dynamic works both ways, but maintains that his admiration for “the best player [he] ever played with” and would still shake his hand even though it may no longer be reciprocated.
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Neville concluded his response by arguing that “it didn’t need to end like that” and “there was probably another way to do it” beyond a hostile tell-all interview organised without the club’s knowledge.
Either way, it didn’t stop Neville from taking a dig at the veteran player shortly after the first part of his interview with Morgan was broadcast, instead drawing attention intention to Salford City‘s FA Cup game.
Tune in to a “World Exclusive” at 8pm tonight
Salford City v Peterborough in the FACUP on ITV 4 channel 120
Not only did Ronaldo receive a frosty reception from his United teammates at Portgual’s World Cup camp, but his current employers’ (for however long that remains the case) have already removed his image from the poster plastered outside Old Trafford.
The Ronaldo return might have sounded like a good idea to fans and people inside the club at the time, but the ending is far from a fairytale.
You can watch Gary Neville’s full interview regarding Ronaldo’s comments here:
Sale Sharks notch another new signing ahead of next season – and he’s rather big
Danny Jones
Sale Sharks have acquired another new signing ahead of next season as they have secured the services of Jacques Vermeulen.
Oh yeah, and in case you didn’t know, he’s a very big lad…
The 30-year-old South African will be joining the second group of Sharks in his career, having previously played for Durban’s Hollywoodbets team of the same nickname based back in his home country.
He made his move to the Gallagher Premiership back in the 2019/20 campaign and after spending six years with the Exeter Chiefs, Vermeulen is now set to swap Sandy Park for Salford.
𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 💥
Jacques Vermeulen is joining our pack for the 25/26 season #SharksFamily!
Capable of being deployed at lock or along the back-row, the Paarl-born rugby union player has been labelled one of the best in his position that the league has seen in recent times, having made over a century of appearances for the Chiefs, who won their second title the season he arrived.
Joining Alex Sanderson’s side on a two-year contract after spending six years at Sandy Park, he will make his way to the Salford Community Stadium next season, following the arrival of Nathan Jibulu.
Towering above many other players at a whopping 6’6″, not only is he massive in stature but the Premiership heavyweight is known for his work rate and aggression, as well as being no stranger to grabbing a try or two.
Speaking via an official club announcement, Vermeulen said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club’s structure and incredible fan base, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“I already have some good friends in the squad, which will make the transition even smoother, and I truly believe this team has the talent and ambition to achieve big things.
“I’m excited to contribute and give my all for the club, and I can’t wait to get started. Sale Sharks are a very physical outfit and that suits my style of play.”
Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, went on to add: “Jacques has been one of the most consistent performers in his position in the league ever since he arrived at Exeter.
“His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s always been a nightmare to play against and someone we’ve had to target. He’s one of those players you want on your team because of his unparalleled, unrelenting physicality and work-rate.
“He’s a real enforcer, his ability to repeat physical actions is second to none and he’ll complement what we’ve already got. He can play anywhere across the back five but I think there’s more to come from him and that’s really exciting.
“He already has plenty of good mates here, so I have no doubt he’ll fit right in. We’re all buzzing to get him here.”
With fan-favourite Raffi Quirke also signing a new deal recently, the Curry brothers still running the flanks and George Ford looking on top form too, the Sale Sharks are looking strong going into 2025/2026.
Nathan Aspinall wrestles with tears after winning first-ever European Tour title following unbelievable checkout
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester’s very own Nathan Aspinall has finally done it: he’s won his first European Tour Trophy and ended a two-year wait for a title.
‘The Asp’ is back on the up.
33-year-old Nathan Aspinall broke onto the Development and Challenge scene over a decade ago and has had an up and down time in professional darts ever since, including a career-threatening injury back in 2022, but he’s remained a fan favourite underdog throughout that time.
That being said, the room was fully behind as he broke the duck. Here’s how it happened:
ASPINALL IS THE CHAMPION! 🏆
Nathan Aspinall beats Ryan Joyce to win his first European Tour title!
Notching a thrilling televised win against Ryan Joyce, currently ranked 26th, the world number eight from Stockport made felt like not just a statement victory but a comeback of sorts, showcasing some of the impressive form that saw him emerge as such a promising talent in the first place.
He won his inaugural PDC Pro Tour title back in 2018 and his first World Series of Darts title at the US Darts Masters a year later, but he’s had to wait for his moments in the years since; in terms of a big title win on the Euro Tour, Aspinall was the first to joke “it only took me 10 years!”
His last piece of silverware came in July 2023 when he won his first World Matchplay title and dropped to the oche floor in a similarly emotional fashion, but the subsequent drought has felt like an eternity for the Stopfordian and his loyal following of fans.
The Asp led the entire match, breaking Joyce’s throw to take a 4-1 lead before ultimately going on to win 8-4 at the European Darts Trophy final in Göttingen, Germany on Sunday night.
He flexed some serious muscles and showed some resilience to do so, including an absolute peach of a 170 checkout that will go down as one of the best of the year – we don’t care if it’s only March.
Checkout of the year easily if he goes on to win the title. The big fishhhhhh 🎣
It wasn’t the only ‘Big Fish’ he pulled off either, having managed the same feat against veteran Gary Anderson in the semis, a moment he said had his hands shaking, let alone making it to the final.
Speaking after the crowd-pleasing conclusion and his maiden Euro title win, Aspinall said: “For me, personally – can I swear? It’s been a s*** few years for me. This is what I needed, it was a big win.
“It makes me believe in myself that I’m still good enough to compete with these boys. Because of the situation I’ve been in over the last few years with the injuries and the dartitis, this is probably my proudest moment.
The crowd were unbelievable. The support I got was amazing. This honestly means so much to me. Roll on [Michael] van Gerwen on Thursday night [in the Premier League of Darts].” He also told PDC of his struggles with ‘dartitis’ – a phenomenon that continues to confound players and viewers alike.
He signed off with a typically amusing moment, adding: “Honestly, [one] final word for this crowd, you guys are unbelievable and if anyone wants to buy me a pint at the bar, I’ll see you later.”
Danny Jones -
17th November 2022 
