Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has hit out at his old club, insisting that the Red Devils didn’t show enough respect toward forward Cristiano Ronaldo before his controversial departure from Old Trafford.
Ronaldo, 38, made a fantastic start to his second spell at Man United, becoming their top-scorer during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last season in charge of the club.
However, Erik Ten Hag’s appointment as Man United manager last summer changed the situation for Ronaldo.
Ronaldo struggled to maintain a spot in Ten Hag’s starting lineup before ending his career at Man United with an explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan.
“I don’t think [Cristiano Ronaldo’s return] was a mistake because, in the first season, he scored many goals,” Berbatov told Goal.
“In my mind, that story was about misunderstanding, miscommunication and not showing enough respect on both sides. When you’ve someone of the stature of Ronaldo, who’s a living legend in football, you need to show them respect.”
Berbatov continued: “You need to speak with him constantly. If he doesn’t play, you need to tell him and explain why you are not playing him. He needs to feel special because he is special.
“These types of players, they have earned that status in football, and you need to know that and when you don’t show it then things like this will happen.”
Ronaldo now plays Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.