Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel says he wants Cristiano Ronaldo to STAY at Old Trafford

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has gone against the grain by stating that he would like Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Old Trafford.

There has been a wide perception that United should allow the Portuguese superstar to leave the club during the January transfer window, after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Schmeichel though says he ‘believes in fairytales’ and wants the 37-year-old to stay put despite his frustrations with the club.  

It comes despite the Manchester United star’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan

The former goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘I believe in fairy tales.

‘I’m a big big fan of Ronaldo. I’ve always been a big fan of him. And I’m a big fan of Manchester United having the best players in the world.

‘I hope there will be an opportunity where his people and Manchester United can sit down, and talk this through, and find a solution.

‘I really want Cristiano to stay a Manchester United player.’

A number of former players have insisted that Ronaldo should be allowed to leave Old Trafford in January.

Teddy Sheringham said there was ‘no turning back’ while Rio Ferdinand – who has regularly come out to the defence of Ronaldo – said he ‘can’t defend‘ his former team-mate and that the interview was manufactured for him to leave. 

In his interview with Morgan on Talk TV, which has been drip-fed since Sunday, Ronaldo claimed that manager Erik Ten Hag doesn’t respect him.

Ronaldo is widely expected to leave Old Trafford in the aftermath of his interview

Former team-mates including Rio Ferdinand have condemned Ronaldo for his interview

He said: ‘I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. 

‘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.’