Cristiano Ronaldo ‘never exceeded the limits’ during his second tenure at Manchester United, despite Mike Phelan ‘inflating his ego,’ as the former assistant coach asserts that some players were unable to meet CR7’s ‘elevated standards.’

Notwithstanding his controversial departure, Cristiano Ronaldo established a benchmark during his second tenure at Manchester United, as Mike Phelan contemplates his impact. What transpired? Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford in 2021 elicited a significant surge of enthusiasm as the club reintroduced one of the most illustrious players in its history.

However, like to most of United’s history during Ferguson’s tenure, events did not unfold as anticipated. Ronaldo departed the club by mutual agreement in November 2022 after a confrontation with Erik ten Hag, which led the Portuguese player to assert that the Red Devils had deceived him. THE

OVERARCHING CONTEXT Ronaldo’s incendiary interview with Piers Morgan in November 2021, in which he asserted he was being marginalized and criticized the club’s stagnation since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2013 departure, resulted in a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. His homecoming commenced positively, as Ronaldo netted 24 goals across all competitions in his inaugural season, leaving a significant impression on former United assistant coach Mike Phelan, who was reacquainted with the man he initially encountered at the age of 18. In an interview with The Athletic, Phelan refuted claims that Ronaldo exceeded acceptable limits during his second tenure and asserted that the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient established standards that his teammates were unable to meet.

What are the subsequent steps for Manchester United? Ronaldo’s response to Ten Hag’s sudden dismissal can only be speculated upon, particularly after the Al-Nassr forward acknowledged a lack of regard for the Dutch coach during the Morgan interview. United is poised for a new era under Ruben Amorim, who recently orchestrated Sporting CP’s remarkable 4-1 victory over their rivals, Manchester City, in the Champions League.