Manchester United Fan Mark Goldbridge Goes Viral After Passionately Defending Cristiano Ronaldo's Transfer Request

A Manchester United fan has gone viral after passionately defending Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to hand in a transfer request.

The 37-year-old has asked to be allowed to leave United if a 'satisfactory offer' comes in over the next few weeks.

He wants to play in the Champions League and has doubts over United's ability to challenge for major honours in the next few years.

Ronaldo believes he has 'three or four' more years at the elite level and Mark Goldbridge of The United Stand has taken a stand against supporters who are frustrated with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Goldbridge thinks anger should be directed at United's hierarchy and owners, the Glazer family, after years of complacency.

"We've embarrassed ourselves," he declared. "I don't think many fans, I don't think the club themselves realise what a massive embarrassment this is. One of the club's legends comes back for a year, sees how bad things are and says 'You know what, this ain't Manchester United.'"

"And anybody who says it shows he's not a legend because he doesn't want to stay and fight, hold on a minute. Don't make yourself out to be the idiot you just have. How can you say Ronaldo doesn't love this club if he wants to leave?

"He doesn't recognise this club. Just like you don't recognise this club."

Ronaldo returned to United last summer and scored 24 goals in all competitions, with 18 of those being in the Premier League.

However, it was a disastrous season for the Red Devils and they finished sixth with 58 points, their lowest-tally in the Premier League era.

Erik ten Hag officially took over in May and despite six-first team players departing as free agents, only Tyrell Malacia has been signed at the time of writing.

Goldbridge continued: "We all love Manchester United. Ronaldo loves Manchester United and he certainly loves you, the fans. He is playing underneath people who own that club who he does not recognise. Who he knows are not ambitious. The Glazers own Manchester United. Not you, not Ronaldo, the Glazers own Manchester United and show no ambition.

"Cristiano Ronaldo loves Manchester United and he certainly loves you, the fans, but he sees it day in day out from behind closed door what a mess it is.

"Trust me, behind closed doors that club is an absolute joke. Within every department there are people who would verify that if they weren't scared of losing their job.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has sat there over the summer and gone 'What is this club doing?', just like you have."

Chelsea are said to be interested in a deal and Bayern Munich have also been linked.

United are set to go on pre-season tour on Friday and it is currently unknown if Ronaldo will be involved. They still expect the Portugal international to fulfil the final year of his contract.