- Cristiano Ronaldo completed an emotional return to Manchester United in 2021
- Portuguese forward’s second spell ended under a cloud just 12 months later
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly had a rather strained relationship with one of his team-mates during his second spell at Manchester United.
The Portuguese made an emotional return to Old Trafford in 2021, 12 years after leaving the club to join Real Madrid. Ronaldo had claimed three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson during his first spell.
But he returned to a Red Devils side in a very different shape and ultimately left dramatically in 2022 following a bombshell interview, in which he took shots at the state of the club, then under the management of Erik ten Hag.
The 39-year-old often looked exasperated during his second stint in Manchester, with on-field results providing ample justification for his perceived mood. And according to The Telegraph, his frustrations even spilled over with his former team-mate Harry Maguire.
The outlet claim that Ronaldo wasn’t impressed by the then-United skipper and would often roll his eyes when the England international delivered team talks.
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly rolled his eyes when then captain Harry Maguire would deliver team talks
The Portuguese second spell at Old Trafford was a disappointment and ended in dramatic fashion
Maguire has gained the trust of new United boss Ruben Amorim and recently had a one-year extension in his contract triggered by the club
Maguire lost the armband to Bruno Fernandes the following season after a series of poor performances and looked set to depart.
But he has managed to gain the trust of new boss Ruben Amorim and was rewarded with the triggering of a one-year extension in his contract earlier this month.
‘Now no one is rolling their eyes in that dressing room’ when he speaks as Ronaldo ‘was known to do’, the outlet quote a source as saying.
Recently Maguire spoke of the demands of working under Ronaldo’s countryman at Old Trafford.
‘Yeah, he (Amorim) is really demanding,’ said Maguire. ‘Ruben said to me that when it came across to him that I had an option (to extend my contract), that it was a no brainer.
‘It’s given me confidence and belief that they want me at the club and part of this project. I’m happy to be here. I want this club to be back fighting for titles and not fighting where we are in the table right now. We’ve got a long way to go.’
After a run of four defeats on the trot, United drew to Liverpool at Anfield before beating Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup Third Round on Sunday.
