Ronaldo claims Man Utd 'didn't believe' his daughter's illness when he arrived late for pre-season

Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally accused Manchester United of doubting his daughter was ill in hospital when he told them it was the reason he arrived back late for pre-season training in the summer.

Ronaldo, 37, has rocked United to its core after giving an explosive tell-all interview to Piers Morgan on Sunday, in which he claimed the club has 'betrayed' him while insisting he has 'no respect' for head coach Erik ten Hag.

Sportsmail has revealed that Old Trafford lawyers are exploring potential ways the interview may constitute a breach of contract, with United hoping to terminate his deal and move on from the saga.

But in perhaps his most damning comments yet, Ronaldo has also alleged that Red Devils officials 'didn't believe something was going wrong' when he arrived back late for pre-season and put it down to his baby daughter's illness.

The Portugal captain and partner Georgina Rodriguez, 28, tragically revealed that their newborn son had died during birth on April 18, but his twin daughter survived.

Tributes flooded in from the footballing world after the couple shared their heartbreaking news, including from United's arch-rivals Liverpool, who broke into a rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone following a minute's applause.

Ronaldo and Rodriguez also received a personal note of condolence from the Royal Family, however the United icon has blasted his club for a lack of 'empathy' after he arrived late for pre-season training because his three-month-old daughter was hospitalised in July.

In his interview with Morgan, which is being released on Wednesday and Thursday, Ronaldo said: 'I spoke with the directors and president of Manchester United and they kind of didn't believe that something was going wrong which made me feel bad.

'They believed it but it's something that really hurt me because they doubted my words.

'We had one week in hospital because Bella had big problems and I didn't go to the pre-season because of that.

'Because I wasn't going to leave my family if something happened to do a pre-season because I didn't think it was fair to leave my family.

'This is why I didn’t go.'

Ronaldo and Rodriguez's daughter was hospitalised just three months after the tragic loss of their season, marking a devastating and challenging period for the couple.

Announcing their heartbreaking loss in April, Cristiano penned: 'It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.

'Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.

'We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.'

Ronaldo also believes he has been betrayed by United on a football level this season, suggesting the club have been trying to force him out, and he didn't hesitate to speak of a perceived mutual lack of 'respect' between him and Ten Hag.

However, Sportsmail understands the former Real Madrid superstar met with Bayern Munich officials in England last week as he looks to end his Old Trafford nightmare.

'I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me,' Ronaldo said about Ten Hag.

'Some people, they don't want me here - not only the coach but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but last year too.

'Honestly, I shouldn't say that. But listen, I don't care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed.'