ISTANBUL (AA) – Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he “felt betrayed” by Manchester United and claimed the club manager Erik ten Hag was trying to force him out of the squad.

“I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too,” Ronaldo said in an interview with the UK-based TalkTV.

“I don’t know what’s going on. Since Sir Alex Ferguson left I have seen no evolution in the club. The progress was zero,” he added.

The Portuguese superstar said that he does not respect Ten Hag, saying: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”

The 37-year-old striker also criticized former interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

“For example, an interesting point is how a club like Manchester United sacked Ole, they bring in a sporting director Ralf Rangnick which is something nobody understands,” he said.

“This guy is not even a coach. A big club like Manchester United bringing in a sporting director surprised not only me but all the world,” Ronaldo added.

He was dropped from the Red Devils squad for the Premier League game against Chelsea in Week 13 as Ten Hag punished him for leaving Old Trafford early during the Tottenham Hotspur match on matchday 12.

The Portuguese star later returned to training with the first team.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have said that they would not respond to Ronaldo’s interview until “the full facts have been established.”

“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans,” the Red Devils added.