Cristiano Ronaldo 'refuses to clap fans' before fiery Steve McClaren exchange

Posted Sunday, August 14, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Cristiano Ronaldo 'refuses to clap fans' before fiery Steve McClaren exchange
Cristiano Ronaldo went straight down the tunnel after Man Utd's humiliating loss

Cristiano Ronaldo exchanged words with Steve McLaren after the Manchester United coach told him to go over to their loyal away fans after a 4-0 mauling at Brentford.

The Portugal international refused, which led to some stern words, before the two descended down the tunnel at the Brentford Community Stadium. It came directly after a thrashing at the hands of the Bees in one of the most humiliating results in United's Premier League history.

Goals from Josh Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Ben Mee and Bryan Mbeumo left the Red Devils with heads in hands while the away fans looked on shocked. At full-time, though, many had done away with the football to have a sing-song in the gleaming London sunshine.

Nevertheless, those that went to applaud those that made the long journey - one fraught with stress amid the rail strikes - got an earful. But that did not include Ronaldo, who made a beeline straight for the tunnel when the full-time whistle was blown.

According to Manchester Evening News, United assistant coach McLaren didn't appreciate that and went to tell the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to go over to the travelling support. Ronaldo refused, leading to words exchanged before the forward disappeared into the changing rooms.

The former Juventus and Real Madrid star has reportedly made it clear to the United hierarchy that he wants to leave this summer. Finding a suitor, though, has proved difficult with the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid all backing away from a potential transfer.

It has been a disastrous start to life in England for Erik ten Hag, who saw his side lose to Brighton at Old Trafford last week. But this result will rankle for many years in what has already been dubbed United's 'worst performance of all time'.

Ten Hag decided to start Ronaldo this Saturday against Brentford after dropping him to the bench vs Brighton. However, that decision made no difference with the 37-year-old anonymous throughout the 90 minutes as the home side tore the opposition apart.