With players reporting for international duty ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo crossed paths with Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes on camera for the first time following his controversial Piers Morgan interview.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner sat down with the infamous British journalist, openly slamming the Red Devils, current manager Erik ten Hag, and the state of the club under the Glazers' ownership. The most eye-catching remarks were concerning their Dutch boss, with the 37-year-old openly admitting to having no respect for the former Ajax tactician while accusing his employers of betrayal.
"I don't have respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn't show respect for me," Ronaldo said.
"Some people, they don't want me here - not only the coach but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but last year too.
"Honestly, I shouldn't say that. But listen, I don't care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed."
The Real Madrid icon also slammed the decision to appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim boss last season following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking, adding: "If you're not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I'd never even heard of him."
While the entire interview has not yet been released, other snippets were posted online, including digs at Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, who have been critical of Ronaldo recently. Following this bombshell, not only were Manchester United left unhappy by this interview, but even the Old Trafford dressing room was said to be disappointed by this distraction as it came straight after their dramatic late victory over Fulham in the Premier League.
As a result, Cristiano's reunion with Bruno Fernandes at the Portugal national team camp caught everyone's attention. Given that the former Sporting CP midfielder is one of Ronaldo's closest friends at the Theatre of Dreams, their interaction went viral as Bruno coldly greeted his captain.
Bruno Fernandes catching up with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal camp
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 15, 2022
(via @selecaoportugal) pic.twitter.com/D1UFlfBlwG
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes wouldn't even look at each other during training for Portugal today. pic.twitter.com/KlcZcSxSao
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 15, 2022
And the clip spread like wildfire on Twitter, with many speculating as to whether there is now a rift between Manchester United's two Portuguese aces. However, these rumors were quickly put to bed by João Mário.
Just a joke or an awkward exchange? pic.twitter.com/xXwOLPuDwy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 15, 2022
The Benfica midfielder explained in a press conference that the viral run-in was all part of a joke between the two Old Trafford stars. Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda, the man who broke Fabio Vieira's move from Porto to Arsenal over the summer, also corroborated this story, reporting that all is well between the two and that the pair are solely focused on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
There's NO problem between Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo in @ManUtd or @selecaoportugal . These images show nothing. Some media are taking advantage of the tense moment between @Cristiano and United to make fake news. Bruno and Ronaldo are focused on @FIFAWorldCup . pic.twitter.com/jmtMsrtOUr
— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) November 14, 2022
Nonetheless, Cristiano has received mainly backlash for this interview, with many calling for the Red Devils to ship him out as early as January. While this is a possibility, no official decision regarding the legendary attacker has been made.