'Obviously it affects us' - Varane admits Man Utd players were affected by Ronaldo's interview

Raphael Varane says Manchester United players were "obviously" affected by the news of Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview.

Speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo remarked that he felt 'betrayed' by United figures and said he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag, casting serious doubts over his future at Old Trafford.

Excerpts from the explosive interview were broadcast on Sunday after United's 2-1 Premier League win over Fulham, which Ronaldo missed after he informed the club he was unwell.

It was the Red Devils' last game before the World Cup break, although Varane says his team-mates were still affected by the events surrounding Ronaldo.

"Obviously it affects us," Varane told Europe1. "We follow what is happening and what is being said.

"We try to calm the situation in our own way and we try not to get too involved. What happens in the media - in big clubs things [like this] are gaining momentum.

"When it's a star like Ronaldo, even more, so we try to take it with distance, that is to say, we don't try to change the situation on our own because we do part of a collective."

United released a statement on Monday explaining that they would only assess what action to take "after all the facts have been established", but with the full interview due out on Wednesday, that decision is expected soon.

Varane, who also played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, said he would accept any decision made by the club, adding: "What I want is the best for my team.

“So whatever the decision, as players, we will accept it and give our best.”