21 June 2023 , 13:57
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Harry Maguire has congratulated his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo on becoming the first man to win 200 international senior caps - despite their 'feud'.
Ronaldo, 38, made history on Tuesday evening when he captained Portugal to a 1-0 win against Iceland, scoring an 89th-minute winner. The five-time Ballon d'Or champ has enjoyed a staggering international career, scoring a record-breaking 123 senior goals.
Maguire and Ronaldo were rumoured to be embroiled in a power struggle at Manchester United. Maguire was, and still is, United's captain, while Ronaldo was their biggest superstar and a leader within the dressing room. Maguire dismissed the rumours at the time.
The Englishman was said to feel marginalised, in terms of his authority, and there was an expectation that Ronaldo would eventually take the armband. That never happened, with Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford in November following Erik ten Hag's appointment.
Maguire retained the armband but is no longer a regular at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes captaining United for most of last season. Despite rumours of a feud, Maguire was keen to praise Ronaldo's latest feat on Instagram. He wrote: "Some achievement."
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Maguire's comment was accompanied by the clapping hands and fire emojis. The defender said the rumours of his spat with Ronaldo "aren't true" at the time before adding: "Not going to start posting everything that is written, but I need to make this one clear."
Harry Maguire and Ronaldo reportedly clashed at Manchester United (PA)What do you make of Harry Maguire's 'feud' with Cristiano Ronaldo? Let us know in the comments below!
A source told Mirror Football about the rumoured feud in February 2022. They said: "Originally, Ronaldo was asking players to back Harry. But the problem is the manager [interim boss Ralf Rangnick] now wants Ronaldo to mentor all these younger players.
"That's left Harry in no man's land, as he's the captain and having to say and follow whatever Ronaldo says, to keep everything sweet."
Ronaldo has won seven league titles and the Champions League five times, but perhaps his greatest achievement was turning Portugal into a force. The forward captained his country to their first two major titles: Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League.
"Two hundred games with the same commitment, dedication, and responsibility, just like the first time I played with this jersey," wrote Ronaldo. "I am here, continuing to score, pursuing my dream and giving my all for the team and for our country. Por amor a Portugal."
Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr following his United exit, with Ten Hag still trying to replace the veteran. Wout Weghorst was signed on loan from Burnley in January, but he failed to score in the Premier League and will not join on a permanent deal.
United were previously linked with Harry Kane but are expected to look elsewhere due to his £100million price tag. Options include Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, Eintract Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.