CRISTIANO RONALDO’S “anger” at Manchester United can fire Portugal to shock World Cup glory, Glenn Hoddle reckons.
Former England midfielder Hoddle claims benched rebel Ronaldo, 37, will “take his chance to show he’s the best player in the world”.
Ron accused United of “betraying” him in a sensational TalkTV interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan that might end his time at United.
But Hoddle claims the 191-cap frontman, who’s hit a record 117 international goals, can help Portugal defy the odds in Qatar.
The ex-Tottenham pass-master told Betfair: “In the last game he was being booed by his own fans so he will be really hurt.
“They’ve got an angry Cristiano Ronaldo right now.
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“Angry for winning, angry for goals and angry for showing people that he’s the best player in the world, and I hope that doesn’t impact the squad.
“This could be his last World Cup, and with everything that is going on with Manchester United, I’m sure he can’t wait to start.”
Hoddle is sure icon Ronaldo has the mental strength to turn a rare period of career uncertainty into “galvanising” Portugal for World Cup joy.
He said: “It’s a really low moment for Cristiano right now and there are a lot of people criticising him about his attitude, but at the end of the day we are all human.
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“I’m not trying to defend anybody but sometimes when you are hurt you can make mistakes.
“He’s already won something with his country, but I am sure this tournament will be personal for him.
“He needs to think about the team, and they have a strong squad and I think Portugal can surprise some people.”
But Ron’s national boss Fernando Santos has stressed he is under no pressure to start Ron, who missed Thursday’s warm-up clash with Nigeria due to a stomach bug.
And Old Trafford legend Gary Neville is among those insisting United must terminate Ronaldo’s contract.
Ron also suggested he had been made a “black sheep” at the club and had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag.
And Neville is sure the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus hero knew what he was doing with his outburst during his TalkTV reveal-all with Morgan.
Nev told Sky Sports: “He wouldn’t have done this interview if he wanted a way back.
“He knew it would bring the headlines it has and be the end of his Manchester United career.
“I’m wondering what Manchester United are doing because the reality of it is they know they have to terminate Cristiano’s contract or they basically open up a precedent so any player can criticise them in the future.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
