Graeme Souness defends Cristiano Ronaldo and accuses Erik ten Hag of ‘not keeping his word’

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to leave Manchester United (Credits: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has continued his defence of Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan and says Erik ten Hag hasn’t kept his word to the veteran.

Ronaldo went nuclear by turning on Ten Hag, United’s board and former team-mates during a 90 minute interview with Morgan on Sunday night.

The second part of the interview is set to be released tonight, with United confirming they will take action once ‘the full facts are known’.

Ronaldo is set to be fined two weeks’ wages for his outburst, which will cost him around £1m.

But his punishment could be more severe in the weeks to come as United seek legal advice as to whether they can terminate his contract without having to pay compensation.

Ronaldo has been widely condemned for his actions but Souness has defended him and believes Ten Hag has gone back on his word.

Ronaldo has scored three times this season (Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) Souness has defended Ronaldo (Picture: TalkSport)

‘I certainly do’, said Souness when asked if he still defends the forward.

‘I come back to it, there’s a meeting, two people speak, two people leave the room with an understanding and someone has not kept their word.

‘He has never spoken. He feels it is time for him to come out and tell his side of the story. This is a player who in many people’s eyes is the greatest player to have ever kicked a ball.’

‘I think he has been told a story and the manager has not kept it.

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‘Then you look at what has happened after this so-called agreement… he doesn’t bring him on against City out of respect. 

‘A couple of weeks later against Tottenham he wants to bring him on with two minutes to go when the game is won, what can Ronaldo do there? And then he makes him captain.

‘Looking at it from both sides, I’ve been a player, I’ve been a manager, I think the player has a grievance and he is entitled to air his grievance.’

MORE : Rio Ferdinand reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s dig at Wayne Rooney and insists there is ‘no way back’ for Manchester United striker

MORE : Manchester United issue statement after explosive Cristiano Ronaldo interview

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