Shock Cristiano Ronaldo to Newcastle United claim amid Manchester United controversy

Jorge Mendes, the agent of Cristiano Ronaldo, has reportedly held shock talks with Newcastle United as the Portuguese legend plots a way out of Manchester United.

Man United have been left stunned by Ronaldo’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, where he said he feels betrayed because Erik ten Hag and club executives are trying to force him out of the club. Ronaldo also brutally admitted that he does not respect ten Hag.

The Red Devils will consider a full response “after the full facts have been established” - but it is almost certain that Ronaldo has played his last game at Old Trafford. The 37-year-old’s search for a new club is already underway - as per the Daily Mail - after Ronaldo’s agent Mendes met with Bayern Munich officials last week.

Interestingly, the same report also claims Mendes spoke to Newcastle last month but based on Ronaldo’s recent behaviour, an unlikely arrival would threaten to upset the dynamics of a unified Eddie Howe dressing room.

Howe, ahead of Newcastle’s goalless draw at Old Trafford last month, coincidentally admitted Ronaldo “might not be a signing we’d necessarily look to make”.

The Magpies head coach said: “He’s an outstanding player. If you look at his goal record last year, it was incredible. For me, the transfer has worked, it’s been a success. He scored some massive goals last year, and some really late important goals in the Champions League. He’s still an outstanding player and should never be underestimated.

“The thing for us is we’re trying to provide long-term growth, we’ve got a longer-term vision. For us, at the moment, we have quite an ageing squad so we need to invest in more youth and young players.

“It’s a big part of our progression, we need to get the average age down. It might not be a signing we’d necessarily look to make but not underestimating the player.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo also took aim at former teammates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville after they criticised the former Real Madrid star for refusing to come on as a substitute during Man United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month.

“It’s hard to listen to that kind of criticism and negativity about people who play with you. For example, Gary Neville, as well. They are not my friends,” said Ronaldo. It’s easy to criticise. I don’t know if you have a job in television that they must criticise to be more famous, I really don’t understand.

“I think they take advantage of [my profile] because they are not stupid. It’s hard when you see people who were in the dressing room with you criticising that way.”