Man Utd deny reports Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract could be terminated

Manchester United have denied claims that they want to see a change in attitude from Cristiano Ronaldo or he risks having his contract terminated.

The Portuguese stormed off the pitch at full-time on Saturday following his side’s humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

Sky Sports reported that the 37-year-old could be shown the exit door at Old Trafford if his attitude doesn’t improve in the coming weeks, but the club have swiftly denied these reports.

Ronaldo’s current deal in Manchester expires next summer, although United have the option to extend it by a further year.

Ronaldo missed the team’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia for personal reasons before he was publicly admonished by Erik ten Hag for leaving Old Trafford before full-time during a friendly with Rayo Vallecano last month.

“It is unacceptable for everyone,” the Dutchman said when quizzed on several players leaving the match early. “I am telling them it’s unacceptable. We are a team. A squad. Until the end, we stay together.”

Ronaldo started on the bench during United’s 2-1 home defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend, replacing Fred in the 52nd minute. The forward also cut a frustrated figure in defeat to Brentford as his side conceded four times inside 35 first-half minutes.

The Portuguese netted 24 goals in 38 appearances for Man Utd last season, netting six times in as many Champions League outings as his side crashed out to Atletico Madrid in the last 16.