Cristiano Ronaldo was credited with keeping Manchester United at bay for large portions of last season, with the Portugal international’s 24 goals in all competitions earning him a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Ronaldo’s sealed a fairytale homecoming last summer when he snubbed interest from Manchester City to sign for United but his comeback has not gone according to plan.
Last month, it emerged that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly met with Ronaldo’s representatives to explore the possibility of a move but those talks were quickly dismissed.
Now, rumours surrounding Ronaldo’s exit have gained even more traction as it has been suggested that the 37-year-old has asked United to listen to offers for him this summer.
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That’s according to The Times, who say that should a satisfactory offer come in for him between now and the end of the window, he would like it to be considered.
As per the report, Ronaldo’s actions are driven by his desire to play in the Champions League, with United’s sixth-place finish last season only guaranteeing them a place in the Europa League.
Furthermore, the forward is said to believe that he has three or four years left in him in football and sources close to him insist that his affection for United remains intact, despite his desire to leave.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea are listed as potential destinations for the former Real Madrid star, although the former have parked their interest temporarily.
SN’s verdict…
Losing your top scorer would be catastrophic for Erik ten Hag, whom Ronaldo spoke glowingly of in a club interview last month. Ronaldo is the club’s only out-and-out striker and it would take a concerted effort in the transfer market to replace him.
As things stand, it does not look like there are any plans to sign a striker this summer but that could change with the latest developments.
Ronaldo’s potential exit could offer outcast striker Anthony Martial another chance at the club, with the Frenchman falling out of favour in the last 18 months.
