Manchester United are making legal moves to sack Cristiano Ronaldo without compensation for this week's interview with Piers Morgan.

United have begun the legal process of effectively sacking Ronaldo by tearing up his £500,000-a-week contract without paying the Portugal star a penny of the £16million he would have earned until it expired in June, says the Daily Mail.

United's lawyers are satisfied Ronaldo has breached the terms of his contract with his explosive allegations against the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates.

The interview aired in two parts on Wednesday and Thursday following a slew of teaser clips since the weekend.

United said earlier in the week that they would consider their response once the full facts were established, and issued a statement on Friday.

It read: "Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo's recent media interview. We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion."

United felt they had to offer some response in the face of Ronaldo's claims but would not comment on what the process will involve.