Harry Maguire risks Cristiano Ronaldo bust-up by mocking team-mate on Instagram

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire appeared to mock teammate Cristiano Ronaldo on social media, but has since stated that he liked an Instagram picture by mistake.

After appearing to disrespect his Manchester United teammate on social media, Harry Maguire has risked another spat with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Maguire ‘liked’ an Instagram picture that echoed a media report that Ronaldo wants to leave Old Trafford because he is being forced to accept a massive wage drop.

Due to United’s failure to achieve Champions League football, Erik Ten Hag’s side will have their salary cut by 25% ahead of the upcoming season. If Ronaldo stays at United, he will be out of pocket by more than £125,000 per week.

Maguire appeared to mock Ronaldo by liking the post, but he later claimed it was an error and erased the comment.

The England defender had a dismal season last season after a succession of poor performances that prompted enraged United fans to demand his dismissal and removal as captain.

To make matters worse, rumors surfaced of him and Ronaldo engaging in a power war, dividing the Manchester United squad.

Ronaldo is said to have sought to replace Maguire as captain, but the center-back refused to give up the armband.

United refuted the allegations, and former interim manager Ralf Rangnick retained Maguire as captain until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has yet to arrive for pre-season training owing to ‘family circumstances,’ and is not anticipated to be part of the United squad that departs for Bangkok on Friday (July 8) to begin the club’s pre-season tour.