"I expect Ten Hag to get down on bended knees" - Piers Morgan demands Manchester United boss to apologise to Cristiano Ronaldo for disrespecting him

British broadcaster Piers Morgan has demanded Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to apologise to Cristiano Ronaldo for disrespecting him if the Red Devils have an unsuccessful season. The Portuguese icon unceremoniously left Old Trafford in November after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.

The former United striker sat down with Morgan ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and gave a scathing assessment of his time playing under Ten Hag. He claimed to have been disrespected by the Dutch coach. He was handed eight starts in 16 games by Ten Hag, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

The Manchester United coach decided to bring Cristiano Ronaldo on in the 88th minute of his side's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. That drew the Portuguese's ire. He refused to come on and stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle.

Morgan has always been in Ronaldo's corner and was asked if he would apologise to Ten Hag for comments he has made over the Dutchman's handling of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner if United have a successful season. Morgan responded to talkSPORT:

"Absolutely not. I expect Ten Hag to get down on bended knees and apologise to Cristiano Ronaldo for the shocking disrespect he has shown him."

The Red Devils next face Arsenal on Sunday (January 22), the team Morgan supports. During Ronaldo's explosive interview with the British journalist, he revealed that the Gunners are the side he would want to win the league if his former side fails to.

The legendary attacker has since joined Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, while Manchester United have flown up the Premier League table into fourth place. They trail league leaders Arsenal (47) by nine points after 18 games.

Ten Hag's side have been unbeaten since Ronaldo left the club, and the final fixture he played in was their last defeat, a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa.

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Manchester United boss Ten Hag's response to Cristiano Ronaldo's interview and eventual departure

Ten Hag (right) reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's interview and exit.

Manchester United could not allow Cristiano Ronaldo to continue playing for the team after his controversial interview with Morgan. It's a rarity that a player makes such shocking claims while employed by a club.

Nevertheless, Ten Hag said that after Ronaldo's departure in early November that he always wanted the player to remain at Old Trafford. He said (via Yahoo!):

"I wanted him to stay from the first moment until now. I did everything to bring him into the team because I value his quality. We wanted him to be part of our project and for him to contribute to Manchester United because he is a great player and has such a great history."

Ronaldo was heavily linked with a move away from United during the summer, as he yearned to play in the UEFA Champions League. The Red Devils' sixth-placed finish in the 2021-22 campaign meant they missed the competition this season.

Nevertheless, Ten Hag reckons Ronaldo was the one who pushed for an exit rather than the club trying to secure a departure for their iconic forward.