Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in Manchester United’s 2023 Calendar despite his recent exit from the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo granted a controversial and explosive interview with his friend and veteran journalist Piers Morgan venting his displeasure and frustration at the club.
He criticized the Manchester United hierarchy for poor management of the club that has seen the club fell off the ranks of big Premier League clubs.
The former Juventus and Real Madrid forward said he had “no respect” for new manager Erik Ten Hag who, he alleged, has disrespected him.
Immediately after the interview, the Red Devils swung into action, initiating a process to terminate his contract and finally terminated the contract through mutual consent by both parties.
After a boiling feud with the club’s hierarchy, one would think it is best for both parties to go their separate ways as they did, but it seems the Red Devils are facing an imbroglio after ending Ronaldo’s contract.
The club included him in the 2023 calendar, and as things stand, it will be difficult to remove him. While the club’s hierarchy may see this as a bizarre outcome, Manchester United fans may certainly have a golden chance to catch a glimpse of one of their favorite stars’ last shot with the team before the exit.
However, there is a saving grace for the club’s management. Cristiano Ronaldo features only on the January page. Hence, they can do away with him in the first 31 days of next year before moving on to Harry Maguire in February and then Marcus Rashford in March.
Whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was purposefully moved to the start of the calendar in recent weeks is unknown. The product, which is now already outdated before the year is said to worth £10.99 per copy.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have offered discounts on Manchester United collections and other merchandise that bears Ronaldo’s name.
T-shirts which were previously priced at £20 have been reduced to just a fiver.
The same goes for a mug which was initially £10. Fans can also get a £5 key ring and phone case for just £2 each, while a £3 badge is also the same price.
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently with the Portugal national team at the World Cup. He opened the scoring for the team via a penalty in their 3-2 win over Ghana and has featured in all games for the team.
Ronaldo becomes the first player to score a goal in five consecutive World Cups after the opener against Ghana.
He has also had some moments of blunders, including the ‘Hair of God incident’ against Uruguay.
In the game, Ronaldo appeared to have headed in a cross from Bruno Fernandes. The goal was previously counted for him, but after careful examination, it was confirmed he did not have any touch of the ball. The goal was later awarded to Bruno Fernandes.
Another bizarre moment during the World Cup for the Portuguese star came in the game against South Korea.
Ronaldo appeared to be angry and seemingly directed his anger at the Portuguese coach when he was substituted.
However, he had come out to debunk reports and the video, saying he aimed his anger on his South Korean opponent when the latter attempted to hurry him off the pitch when he was subbed off.
Portugal has qualified for the round of 16 of the tournament and will face another European side Switzerland for a place in the quarter-final.
