'It was folly!' - Man Utd slammed for breaking promise to Cristiano Ronaldo as Graeme Souness suggests real reason behind CR7's controversial 2022 exit

Ronaldo had his contract terminated at United in November 2022 after an interview with Piers Morgan in which he gave scathing criticism of the club and then-head coach Erik ten Hag, ending his second spell at Old Trafford after just over a year.

While Ronaldo went on to sign a lucrative contract at Al-Nassr, where he continues to thrive with 32 goals in 36 games this season, United have plummeted to 14th in the Premier League after sacking Ten Hag and placing Ruben Amorim in charge. According to ex-Liverpool player and manager Souness, Ronaldo's exit was likely down to his frustration with the decline in standards since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and the lack of leaders in the squad.

"He was disappointed with what he found when he returned to the club. He questioned whether people cared enough about their profession. Over the last decade, since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, United have lacked senior pros who are capable of dragging the team with them," he told The Mirror. "They had the best in the business in Ronaldo - and I think he left because, reading between the lines, promises were made to him about players who would arrive at Old Trafford that weren’t kept.

"I’m talking about one of the greatest players who has ever kicked a ball. It was folly for the decision-makers at Old Trafford not to listen to him. I think Cristiano’s ego made him think that someone at the top of the club would listen to him. But nobody did - and more than two years later, United are no further forward."

While United may be struggling domestically, they can still book a place in the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League this term. Amorim's team face Athletic Club in the semi-finals after this weekend's league match against Bournemouth.