CRISTIANO RONALDO has become a “pain in the a***” for most of his Manchester United team-mates, according to reports.
The striker, 37, has had a hectic summer amid speculation he could leave the club.
As well as transfer speculation unsettling the squad, Ronaldo has undermined the togetherness Erik ten Hag is trying to build by clashing with his manager during a friendly against Rayo Vallecano, which he also left at half-time.
And in the 12 months since his return to United, a source told ESPN that he has also wound up his team-mates.
The main reason for that is Ronaldo’s expectations – with his team-mates not meeting the standards he experienced in his first spell at the club.
He reportedly expects players like Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford to perform like Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney – and shows little patience when they are unable to reach those lofty standards.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
As a result, many in the Red Devils’ squad were said to be happy when they learned Ronaldo wanted to leave.
Ronaldo’s attitude has annoyed many of his team-mates with some feeling his transfer saga is sapping morale from the squad.
A United source revealed to SunSport earlier this month: “It is really starting to annoy a lot of players now.
“He does have his allies in the camp but a lot are fed up with how he is going about things.”
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Ronaldo wants to leave United in search of Champions League football but a willing suitor has not been found with days remaining in the transfer window.
Several clubs are thought to be interested in CR7 with his agent Jorge Mendes reportedly returning to Chelsea to hold talks over a potential transfer. This is despite the Blues pulling out of a deal to sign Ronaldo last month.
Serie A side Napoli also remain a possible destination with the Italians believed to be planning on selling Victor Osimhen to fund a move.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk