Man Utd slammed for Ronaldo disrespect by former player

The Red Devils parted ways with the Portuguese superstar after a lengthy saga last winter.

Manchester United didn’t show enough respect toward Cristiano Ronaldo before his controversial departure, according to Dimitar Berbatov.

Ronaldo made a fantastic start to his second spell at Man Utd, becoming their top-scorer in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last season in charge of the Red Devils.

However, Erik ten Hag’s appointment last summer changed the situation for CR7. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner struggled to maintain a spot in the new manager’s starting lineup before ending his career at the club with an explosive interview.

“I don’t think it [Ronaldo’s return] was a mistake, because in the first season he scored many goals,” Berbatov told Goal.

“In my mind, that story was about misunderstanding, miscommunication and not showing enough respect on both sides. When you have someone of the stature of Ronaldo, who is a living legend in football, you need to show them respect.”

After his departure from Man Utd, Ronaldo decided to continue his career at Al Nassr, where he has scored 11 goals in 11 league games for the Saudi club.

Berbatov added: “You need to speak with him constantly. If he doesn’t play, you need to tell him and explain why you’re not playing him. He needs to feel special because he is special.

“These types of players, they have earned that status in football, and you need to know that and when you don’t show it then things like this will happen.”