Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo pulled out of the trip to Fulham after learning he would be on the bench, it has been claimed.

Sky Sports says Ronaldo was told on Thursday that he would not be in United's starting XI against Fulham.

However, the Portugal international was told he would be included in Erik ten Hag's matchday squad.

Ronaldo is said to have told the club he was 'ill' and that he couldn't travel to the game, the last before he heads to the World Cup with Portugal, with the team.

The United hierarchy were therefore left frustrated when Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan surfaced after the game.