The brutal message that Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly sent to Ralf Rangnick during the latter’s time as interim boss of Manchester United has been revealed.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in 2021 when United were managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Norwegian was dismissed in November that year, with Rangnick being placed in interim charge until the end of the season.

United legend Ronaldo reportedly made a demand to Rangnick regarding his playing time.

According to BILD, Ronaldo instructed Rangnick that he would play four out of five matches. However, the Portuguese star is said to have insisted that for the one game that he would miss, he wouldn’t be on the bench but would instead watch it at home.

Ronaldo remained at United until November 2022, when he left having fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag.

Just before leaving United, Ronaldo heavily criticised the club during an interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo 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. We have to be honest: if you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? It’s something that I should say that Manchester is not followed.’

In total Ronaldo made 22 appearances under Rangnick, during which he scored 12 goals.

After leaving United Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr, for whom he has scored 50 goals in 56 appearances.