Ronaldo's rocky season rumbles on

LONDON－Cristiano Ronaldo has been cautioned by British police after footage showed the Manchester United forward appearing to smash a phone out of an Everton fan's hand at a match last season.

The police caution comes as Ronaldo hit out at the "lies" surrounding reports about his future at struggling United.

The 37-year-old was interviewed by officers in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage following the incident at Goodison Park on April 9.

Merseyside Police launched an investigation after a clip was circulated online of Ronaldo appearing to knock the supporter's mobile phone onto the ground as he limped toward the tunnel following United's 1-0 loss.

The force said in a statement on Wednesday: "We can confirm that a 37-year-old man voluntarily attended and was interviewed under caution in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage.

"The allegation relates to an incident following the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison Park on Saturday, April 9.

"The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded."

After the incident, Ronaldo issued a social media apology for his "outburst" and invited the supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford "as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship".

Taking to his Instagram account after the match, the Portuguese forward said: "It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.

"Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.

"I would like to apologize for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship."

'Know the truth'

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has promised to reveal the "truth" about reports linking him with a move away from struggling United.

The Portugal forward missed United's preseason tour to Thailand and Australia due to personal reasons as transfer speculation swirled.

It has been reported Ronaldo wants to play Champions League soccer, but United maintains he is not for sale and remains a part of the plans of new boss Erik ten Hag.

The former Real Madrid star played the full 90 minutes of United's 4-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday, which left Ten Hag's team bottom of the Premier League.

In a reply to a fan account on Instagram that referred to a report linking the United forward with Atletico Madrid, Ronaldo said fans would "know the truth" in a couple of weeks, adding: "The media are telling lies."

"I have a notebook and in the last few months of the 100 news I made, only five were right. Imagine how it is. Stick with that tip," he added.

United will seek to kick-start its Premier League campaign when it hosts fierce rival Liverpool on Monday.

United's owners, the Glazer family, have come under fire following the team's terrible start.

Former United defender Gary Neville has warned the club could finish in the bottom half of the Premier League if it does not address its "horror story" recruitment strategy.

Manchester United supporters' group The 1958 is planning a protest march outside Old Trafford against the club's owners ahead of the Liverpool match.

In a statement the group said the ownership was "systematically starving and killing the greatest football institution in world football, for greed".

"We appreciate emotions are running high," it added. "We must keep it legal, we must keep it peaceful ...Bring the heat, bring the noise, bring the passion. Let's show the Glazer family that this time it will not blow over."

Meanwhile, Spanish outlet AS reported on Thursday that Atletico Madrid has turned down a United offer of 130 million euros ($132 million) for Portuguese forward Joao Felix. The 22-year-old's release clause is 350 million euros.

United is also being linked with Brighton defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo and Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic.

AFP