CRISTIANO RONALDO told Ralf Rangnick he would NOT sit on the bench for Manchester United games he was not involved in.
The superstar returned to Old Trafford in 2021 when United were managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But the Norwegian was dismissed less than four months later, with Rangnick being placed in temporary charge until the end of the season.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s strained relationship with Rangnick is no secret.
But now Ronaldo’s astonishing playing time requests have been laid bare.
According to BILD, Ronaldo instructed Rangnick that he would play four out of five matches.
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Before insisting that for the one game that he would miss, he wouldn’t be on the bench but would instead watch it at home.
The ex-Real Madrid star outlasted Rangnick at United, staying at the club until November 2022.
However, a disagreement with the next manager, Erik ten Hag, made his position at Old Trafford untenable.
Just before leaving United, Ronaldo heavily criticised the club during a fiery interview with Piers Morgan.
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He even referenced Rangnick during the interview, saying that nobody understood his appointment as a sporting director and added that he “is not even a coach”.
Ronaldo said: “I don’t know what’s going on, but since Sir Alex Ferguson left, I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero.”
“For example, we have an interesting point that, how the club as Manchester United after they sack Ole, they bring in sports director Rangnick, which is something that nobody understands.
“This guy is not even a coach. A bigger club like Manchester United bringing in a sports director – it surprised not only me but all the world, you know? Of course, in my opinion.”
Ronaldo topped the club’s scoring charts in his only full season back with the Red Devils, but equalled copped huge amounts of criticism for his performances and his demeanour.
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
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Katherine Walsh
