Chelsea could offer Cristiano Ronaldo a way out of Man United with Todd Boehly 'open to signing the striker'

Cristiano Ronaldo could be handed a way out of his Manchester United nightmare by Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Ronaldo has been banished from the United first-team squad by manager Erik ten Hag after refusing to come on as a substitute in their 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday.

While Ten Hag insists that Ronaldo remains part of his plans at Old Trafford, reports claim the Dutchman would be "happy" to allow the Portuguese star to leave in January.

ESPN claim United's hierarchy are also prepared to allow Ronaldo to leave on a free transfer rather than him remain at the club for the rest of his two-year deal, which expires at the end of the season.

Chelsea were linked with Ronaldo in the summer transfer window after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner handed in a transfer request in a bid to join a club competing in the Champions League.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly was reportedly interested in signing Ronaldo at the time but was met with opposition by former manager Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked in September and replaced with Graham Potter.

The Daily Mail claim Boehly has "forged a close relationship" with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes and could re-visit his interest in the Portugal international in January.

However, it remains to be seen whether new manager Potter would sanction a move for Ronaldo, who has managed just two goals in 12 appearances this season.

After Ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo had refused to come on against Spurs, the Portuguese star took to Instagram to reflect on his behaviour.

Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham (Image: Alamy)

"As I've always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn't changed. I haven't changed," said Ronaldo, in a statement in which he stopped short of apologising to Ten Hag and his United teammates.

"I'm the same person and the same professional that I've been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.

"I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I've always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I've represented. Unfortunately that's not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.

"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was.

Chelsea co-owner is reportedly open to signing Ronaldo in January (Image: Alamy)

"This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we'll be together again."

Ten Hag, meanwhile, appeared to rule out a January move for the 37-year-old.

"Cristiano remains an important part of the squad and I count on him for the rest of the season. We want to fulfil our ambitions," said Ten Hag.

Ronaldo missed Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after being frozen out of the squad and he is unlikely to feature when they return to action against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.