Aheed Abrar
Raphael Varane admits interview of Cristiano Ronaldo affects Manchester United squad
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has admitted that the statements Cristiano Ronaldo has made in an interview with Piers Morgan has affected the squad. The Portugal international made some blistering comments about the club and Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old accused the Red Devils of ‘betraying’ him. And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also took aim at the new gaffer stating that the Dutch manager had ‘no respect’ for him.
Speaking to French radio station Europe1 (h/t Manchester Evening News), Varane expressed his worry about what Ronaldo has said. The 29-year-old will back the club in any decision they make considering the situation.
“Obviously it affects us. We follow what is happening and what is being said. We try to calm the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it. What is happening in the media in the big clubs is gaining momentum.
“What I want is the best for my team so whatever the decision, as a player, we will accept it and give the best of ourselves.”
The Portuguese icon rejoined United in the previous campaign from Juventus. He had left the club in 2009 to join Real Madrid. And after several successful years away from Manchester, the 37-year-old was one of our best players last season.
Unfortunately, the Red Devils were unable to put up a fight in any competition and ended sixth in the Premier League. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was one of the handful of players to live up to fans’ expectations.
However, since Ten Hag’s arrival, Ronaldo has seen his influence at the club go down. The Portuguese star has not started as many games as most people had thought this term.
And the 37-year-old’s form in front of goal has also been underwhelming. In 16 appearances in all competitions, he has scored three goals and provided two assists.
Varane joined the club in the same window as Ronaldo from Los Blancos. Thankfully, the 29-year-old has come into his own after struggling with injuries in the previous campaign. Currently, the centre-back is with the France national side for the upcoming World Cup.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also currently with the Portugal national team. And it remains to be seen how the Old Trafford side proceed with the situation.
