Man City deny Cristiano Ronaldo was 'close' to joining them 

Manchester United has denied Cristiano Ronaldo’s account of his proposed move to the Etihad Stadium with sources telling that the 37 year old’s claim that the move was “close” is false. 

Ronaldo started his second spell with Manchester United after leaving Juventus in 2021 but not before conjecture linking the Portugal forward with a potential move to City. 

The Man Utd striked claimed in an interview that the transfer was “close” but City sources have said his comments are “not reflective” of their interest at the time which has been described as “mild”. 

Ronaldo said only Alex Ferguson’s intervention put a halt on his move to City, despite his highly decorated first spell at rivals United between 2003 and 2009. 

"I think it was the key, it was the difference in that moment, but I cannot be loyal if I will, I wouldn't say that Manchester City wasn't close," Ronaldo said.

"I spoke with him [Ferguson]... He said to me, 'It's impossible for you to come to Manchester City' and I said, 'OK, boss.'

"Well, honestly, it [joining City] was close... It's something they spoke [about] a lot and [City manager Pep] Guardiola said two weeks ago, I guess, that they tried hard to have me."

The second part of Ronaldo’s interview is set to air on Thursday with sources telling that United will wait to discover the full extent of his comments before making a final call on his future at the club. 

As per sources, United are already appalled about parts of the interview, particularly Ronaldo’s claim that there has been “zero progress” at the theatre of dreams since Ferguson’s departure in 2013 and his revelation that he “doesn’t respect” current manager Erik Ten Hag. 

United have dismissed Ronaldo’s claim that their Carrington training ground has not been updated since he left for Real Madrid in 2009 and said instead the money has been invested to renovate the restaurant, swimming pool and gym amenities in the last 12 months. 

According to sources, Ten Hag is furious with Ronaldo’s bombshell, tell-all interview and does not believe he can work with him again while a vast majority of players do not think there is a way back for the prolific scorer at Old Trafford after the World Cup. 

United are taking legal advice about how best to deal with the situation.