Ronaldo's departure from United brings his second spell at the club to an acrimonious and disappointing end, having scored just once in 10 Premier League appearances this season.

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Manchester United with immediate effect, the English Premier League club announced Tuesday.

The decision, which United said in a brief statement was made by “mutual agreement”, comes a week after Ronaldo gave a controversial explosive TV interview in which he explained how he felt the club had betrayed him, adding that he has “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag.

His allegations included that he was being forced out by United, that senior executives lacked empathy after his newborn son died in April, that the owners, the Glazer family, do not care about the club, and that Ten Hag did not respect him.

“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future,” the statement said.

“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”

Ronaldo is currently with the Portugal national team at the World Cup in Qatar and is set to captain them in their opening Group H game against Ghana on Thursday.

In a statement to the media in Qatar on Monday, the 37-year-old said he will “speak when he wants” and his row with United will not “shake” his Portuguese teammates.

This is likely to be his last appearance at a World Cup, and beyond that, it is unclear which club will sign him for the second half of the season.

Ronaldo, who left Juventus to rejoin the Old Trafford club in August 2021, had just over seven months remaining on his £500,000-a-week contract with United, and his departure leaves him free to sign for another club, including one in the Premier League, when the transfer window opens in January.

“Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early,” he said in a statement.

“I love Manchester United and I love the fans; that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.

“I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”