Manchester United are resigned to losing their star man Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer transfer window after the player expressed his wish to move on.
The 37-year-old astonishingly told the club last Saturday that he sees his future away from United.
The club have been adamant that their man was not for sale but club officials now believe that they will be unable to keep him against his will and hopes to avoid a long transfer saga.
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According to SunSport, Ronaldo’s representatives told new club chief executive Richard Arnold that the five times Ballon d’Or winner will not stay if the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
New manager Erik ten Hag said Ronaldo is a ‘giant’ and expressed his wish to keep him at the club. But after holding talks with the board, the Dutchman now accepts he will not have Ronaldo as part of his squad for the upcoming season.
Ronaldo made a sensational return to Old Trafford last summer from Juventus, 12 years after leaving the club for Real Madrid. But his return hasn’t been ideal.
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The return of Ronaldo failed to energise a United side lacking in confidence and quality. They were unable to win any silverware after suffering early exits in the domestic cups and the Champions League, they also went on to collect the club’s lowest ever Premier League points tally as they stumbled to a sixth placed finish. As a result, United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Their failure to secure a place in Europe’s premier competition has led to Ronaldo’s transfer request, even at the age of 37, the Portugal international still feels he can win the top prices, but has come to terms that he will not be able to do so with the current United side.
A number of clubs around the continent will be queuing up for Ronaldo’s signature but only a few will be able to match his sky high wages and ambition.
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United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea are said to be interested in him, and there were reports that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes held talks with Chelsea co owner Todd Boehly to discuss a potential transfer.
Away from Ronaldo, the club are back in training ahead of their pre season tour of Thailand and Australia, they are due to set off on Friday.
United are also working behind the scenes to add to their squad, defender Tyrell Malacia was signed earlier in the week. Free agent Christian Eriksen is close to joining and a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is inching ever closer.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours
Marcus Chan