Cristiano Ronaldo set for an ugly exit from Man Utd, 5 other stars who left Old Trafford under cloud

Following an explosive interview, Cristiano Ronaldo looks all set to leave Manchester United. If the star footballer does go, he would not be the first player to exit Old Trafford in controversial circumstances.

Ronaldo’s interview with Morgan, has been the talk of the sporting world. In the interview, the Portugal legend claims he has felt ‘betrayed’ by some figures at the club. As per Ronaldo, he has ‘no respect’ for the team boss Erik ten Hag. He also expressed his disappointment with what he believes to be a lack of improvement in facilities since he first departed the Red Devils in 2009.

Ronaldo was also critical of comments made by United legend Wayne Rooney, and questioned the club over their appointment of Ralf Rangnick. With the full interview to be aired later this week, there will be more uproar. 

Let’s take a look at some other star players who left Manchester United under a cloud…

Roy Keane

Following Manchester United’s disappointing 4-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in October 2005, the club captain was released from his contract after a few weeks. In his infamous interview, Roy Keane had criticised a number of United players for their performances at the Riverside Stadium. However, the footage has never been made public and the club destroyed every copy of it. That was one of the reasons behind Keane’s exit.

Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria joined United from Real Madrid in 2014 as one of the world’s star players. The Argentinean started well winning the Red Devils’ player of the month award for September. However, he then struggled for form throughout the rest of the season, coupled with injury problems. He left United in the summer of 2015 - just a year after arriving for a club-record fee. After his departure, he revealed about his bitter relationship with people at the club.

Carlos Tevez

Manchester United managed to bring Tevez on a two-year loan spell. He also formed an unstoppable partnership with Ronaldo and Rooney during the time. However, despite his impressive displays, the Argentinean eventually opted to leave United. Tevez claimed in an interview that he was not offered a new deal by United. However, what infuriated the club was his choice of Man City.

Gabriel Heinze

Gabriel Heinze was the club’s first choice left-back throughout the 2004-05 season. Heinze became a fan favourite soon and was named the club’s player of the year. But he suffered an injury in the following campaign and was dropped behind new signing Patrice Evra. The Argentinean then decided to move Liverpool, but United blocked the transfer. The case was eventually heard in court and Heinze left the club in 2007 and moved to Real Madrid.

David Beckham

David Beckham joined Manchester United in1995. He went on to play an integral role for the side for another eight years. An infamous incident occurred in club dressing room in 2003. Ferguson kicked a boot that ended up striking Beckham in the eye. Following which his relationship with Ferguson deteriorated. The boss later decided to sell one of his longest-serving players to Real Madrid.