Sport
Ronaldo calls out ten Hag, Rooney and United board in explosive Piers Morgan interview
'I think the fans should know the truth.'
The situation with Cristiano Ronaldo has been a dark cloud lingering over Manchester United all season and parts of last year too, but that’s nothing compared to this latest downpour.
Man United‘s number seven and long-standing club legend has put his legacy in further jeopardy by deciding to do an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, in which he didn’t hold back his opinions on both current and previous coaches, as well past and present teammates.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 37-year-old started by diagnosing what many fans would tend to agree with: that there has been “no evolution in the club” since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo went on to suggest that everything from the gym facilities to “the technology, the kitchen” and various other pieces of “infrastructure”.
The all-time leading international and club goalscorer went on to question why the club previously brought in Ralf Rangnick as both a sporting director and interim manager, arguing that “he’s not even a coach”, adding: “how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’d never even heard of him”.
Regardless of his feelings, it is worth reminding that the German has indeed coached more than a dozen different teams in his career — currently employed as the manager of the Austrian national team — and is regularly credited for developing popular ‘Gegenpressing’ tactics used by Jurgen Klopp, for instance.
Furthermore, the Portuguese icon went on to drag his current coach Erik ten Hag, stating: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.” Ronaldo has been dropped by ten Hag on multiple occasions.
Ronaldo was reportedly told he would not be in the squad for Sunday’s match against Fulham on Thursday, according to Sky reporter Kaveh Solhekol, with his comments no doubt taking some of the shine off thrilling stoppage time win.
Clearly lining up the interview in the days leading up to their next Premier League fixture, he went on to say that he feels “betrayed” by the club and that figures were looking to force him out, including ten Hag himself.
Read more:
Going off on somewhat of a tangent, Ronaldo even took aim at his former teammate and attacking partner, Wayne Rooney, after the club’s leading goalscorer said last week that CR7 risks becoming an “unwanted distraction” at United.
Apparently, Ronaldo hasn’t appreciated Rooney’s comments in recent weeks and months, responding by saying: “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly… probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level. I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…”
Calling into talkSPORT the morning after, Morgan revealed he had been asking the broadcaster to do an interview for some time and despite its controversial nature, “he feels he should be doing this”.
He even went on to tip him for a surprise move to Arsenal who are currently top of the league.
Meanwhile, United have said they will not be officially responding to Ronaldo’s Piers Morgan interview but Sky understands that teammates, coaches and various other staff members are disappointed that the veteran professional would “disrespect” the club in this way.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo believes “the fans should know the truth” and that he only wants “the best for the club”, insisting that “they’re always on my side”. We dare say he may have fewer supporters on his side after this one.
Put it this way, this saga is far from over.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Image — Piers Morgan Uncensored (via Twitter)
Sport
Manchester City release new ‘The Decade Collection’ celebrating 10 years of Pep Guardiola
Danny Jones
Manchester City and PUMA have just released a new clothing line celebrating 10 seasons of Pep Guardiola at the club.
Simply entitled ‘The Decade Collection’, the new PUMA range revolves entirely around Pep as he marks his 10th anniversary in charge of the Blues, focusing on minimalistic style.
Guardiola has always been a trendy bloke, often being highlighted for his fashion choices on the touchline – even some of the questionable ones…
But with a much plainer approach this time around, the Pep clothing collab
Debuting the lifestyle drop on Wednesday, 15 April, Man City wrote on social media, “Ten seasons on the touchline. Ten seasons of setting the standard.
“Introducing the Puma Football Decade Collection with the Pep Team – celebrating Pep’s ten seasons as our manager and inspired by memorable moments from his tenure at the Club.”
While it’s unclear how much (if any) of these new clothes the Catalan coach has helped design or had influence on, but given its exclusive nature, you can expect it to sell out pretty quickly.
They go on to add: “Created to honour a defining chapter that reshaped the club’s modern identity, this exclusive collection is available in limited quantities.
Starting at £30 for the cheapest item – a ‘P’ logo baseball cap – the most expensive part of the collection clocks in at £110: his special anniversary edition ‘Majesty Low Decade’ PUMA trainers.
You can see some more examples of what we’ve already seen him wearing, and what we’ll no doubt see him in pitchside very soon, down below.
https://x.com/ManCity/status/2044347944988516522?s=20
Obviously, City has plenty of other brand partnerships when it comes to both official sports apparel and more casual clothing, many of which we’ve already seen the 55-year-old football manager wear, but you can almost guarantee he’ll be donning them for the coming fixtures.
You can see Man City x PUMA x Pep Guardiola ‘Decade Collection’ in full HERE.
Speaking of which, up next for Pep and co is what could prove to be THE big twist in this year’s Premier League campaign, with his squad of serial winners taking on league leaders Arsenal at home.
Not only did the Gunners’ surprise loss to Bournemouth last weekend help City close the gap on the top spot, but with them refinding their form ahead of hosting the title hopefuls at the Etihad Stadium, it all looks to be shifting back in their favour at the moment.
With seven games left, and one in hand compared to Arsenal, do you see them beating Mikel Arteta’s side to another trophy?
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Manchester City Football Club (publicity pictures)
Sport
Sale Sharks announce signing of exciting new winger David Opoku-Fordjour
Danny Jones
Sale Sharks have revealed their latest bit of recruitment as they have announced an agreement to sign promising young winger, David Opoku-Fordjour.
The brother of existing Sharks player, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, David, is set to join Sale at the start of next Gallagher PREM season.
Sharing the news with their fans on social media, the Greater Manchester rugby union outfit is tipping the ‘exciting’ and very fast forward to achieve big things at the club.
As the older sibling of 21-year-old prop Asher (only slightly), they might be of a similar profile in some ways, but they are still two very unique talents with their own attributes.
The fellow Coventry-born prospect came through his local side’s youth academy, making over half a century of appearances for the Championship team.
He will now become the second member of the Opoku-Fordjour family, who are originally from Ghana, to play for Sale Sharks.
Already capped England star Asher is actually the youngest of the four Midlands-born brothers.
Meanwhile, David Opoku-Fordjour – still just 22 himself – will make his Premiership debut in the coming 2026/27 campaign, penning a one-year deal with an option of extending by another 12 months as part of his contract:
The youngster said in an official statement: “I know the levels at a PREM club will be much higher, but I’m really looking forward to playing and training with internationals every day.
“There are so many good wingers at the club – guys like Tom Roebuck and Arron Reed – and I just want to be a sponge and learn from them and develop as much as I can.”
“Asher and I are really close, and playing with him again will be brilliant. When I spoke to him, he just said that the environment at Sale is great and that I would really enjoy it. He said the club is full of good people, so I can’t wait to get started.”
Commenting on his arrival, Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said, “There’s some real talent and potential in the Champ, and we think we’ve found one in David.
“He scores tries for fun, but there’s plenty more to his game, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops in this environment, learning and playing with the international wingers we’ve got.”
Looking forward to seeing him on the pitch, Sharks?
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — FloRugby/Coventry RUFC (screenshots via YouTube)
Danny Jones -
14th November 2022 
