Man Utd have grounds to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, while stopping him from joining another club, says football lawyer David Seligman.
Ronaldo has burned all bridges with the Premier League club thanks to his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
The Portugal captain did not feature for the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup or Premier League last week as they beat Aston Villa and Fulham.
Speaking to Morgan for The Sun, Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed” by the club and that he does not “respect” manager Erik ten Hag.
As well as this, he criticised the club’s infrastructure, saying that it is no different now from how it was when he first joined the club nearly two decades ago.
When asked if United’s hierarchy were trying to force him out of the club, Ronaldo said: “Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”
When quizzed again if senior club executives were trying to oust him, the 37-year-old said: “I don’t care. People should listen to the truth.
“Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year, but last year too.”
On Ten Hag, Ronaldo added: “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.”
The 37-year-old refused to come on as a substitute in last month’s win over Tottenham.
He was banished from the squad for the subsequent trip to Chelsea, although he then returned to the fold for the next match.
And after the player finally broke his silence after months of struggles on the pitch and rumours surrounding his future, it is obvious that he has played his last game for Man Utd.
Ronaldo was searching for a move in the summer transfer window but stayed put with no club keen.
A move in the winter transfer window is likely – if anyone will take him.
However, football lawyer David Seligman has said that Ronaldo could have his contract terminated by Man Utd after his outburst.
Seligman added that the Red Devils may have the power to stop the Portuguese legend joining another club following termination.
He tweeted: “Man United would likely have ground to terminate Ronaldo’s contract – material breach of the implied duty of trust and confidence, as well as express terms regarding bringing the club into disrepute.
“FIFA rules/jurisprudence on player registrations are not all that simple. United could terminate the contract but retain player registration for the purposes of compensation if termination is caused by Ronaldo’s conduct.”
This is perhaps a bit of a stretch, but stranger things have happened.
It is hard to imagine any big clubs will go near Ronaldo in the January transfer window.
He was linked with Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Chelsea, amongst others, in the summer.
Blues co-owner Todd Boehly is reportedly very keen on bringing Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge, so it will be interesting to see whether or not he will pursue a deal in two months’ time.
