Varane accepts Ronaldo interview has affected United players

United are taking legal advice – and awaiting broadcast of the full interview – before issuing a response.

France's national football team defender Raphael Varane (C) arrives at Le Bourget airport near Paris, on November 16, 2022, upon the team's departure for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. (Photo by Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP) 

Raphaël Varane has admitted Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview – in which he criticised Manchester United’s owners and the manager, Erik ten Hag – has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Ronaldo, speaking to Piers Morgan on TalkTV, announced he did not respect Ten Hag and claimed a number of individuals at United were trying to force him out. The 37‑year‑old forward also claimed the Glazer family, owners since 2005, did not care about the club.