Manchester United could look to use football agent Jorge Mendes to terminate Ronaldo’s contract

Manchester United’s strong relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes appears to be crucial for the player leaving Old Trafford before the end of the World Cup.

United want Ronaldo out after his extraordinary TV interview with Piers Morgan in which he claimed he had been ‘betrayed’ by the club.

They do not blame Mendes for his star client’s controversial statements and hope that pragmatism will strike a deal to cancel the player’s contract by mutual consent rather than the alternative of United firing the Portuguese for breach of contract.

Man United hopes to use the relationship with Jorge Mendes (pictured) to release their striker

United are looking for a way to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract without legal battle

Mendes represents several other Premier League players, including Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, and has previously brought stars such as Nani and Angel di Maria to Old Trafford.

United expect to do business with Mendes again in the future, so see no benefit to either side in getting into a legal battle over Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old is expected to join Portugal against Ghana in their World Cup opener on Thursday.

Ronaldo missed Portugal’s warm-up game against Nigeria last week with the stomach flu

The striker landed in Qatar on Friday and will play his first match against Ghana on Thursday

While Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva insisted their captain’s statement was no distraction, he stressed that Portugal are not a one-man team, underlined by beating Nigeria 4-0 in their final warm-up game without Ronaldo last week.

“This is a different generation. Almost all the players have changed in the last eight years and they play in the best leagues for the best clubs,” said Bernardo.

“If Cristiano is not there, the national team knows how to react. We are 26 (players) and it doesn’t matter if there is one or the other.

“We showed that not only in the last game, but also in qualifying. I see him motivated and focused on our selection like all of us.’

Bruno Fernandes (right) has denied all claims that his relationship with Ronaldo is frosty

Bruno Fernandes has denied his relationship with Ronaldo is frosty, despite his teammate saying he disrespected United manager Erik ten Hag.

Bernardo was convinced that any club problems would be put aside for the national good.

“We are with the national team, focused on our games,” he added. “I don’t see any strange surroundings.”