Manchester United do not want to burn their relationship with agent Jorge Mendes as they seek to SACK his client Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Daily Mail says United don't blame Mendes for the controversial statements made by Ronaldo last week and hope that pragmatism will cement a deal to cancel the player's contract by mutual consent rather than the alternative of United firing the Portuguese for breach of contract.

Mendes represents several other Premier League players including Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, and has previously brought stars like Nani and Angel di Maria to Old Trafford.

United anticipate dealing with Mendes again in the future so don't see any benefit for either party to end up in a legal battle over Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old is expected to be involved for Portugal against Ghana in their World Cup opener on Thursday.