Right up until now, Manchester United have stressed that Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale.
Just days ago, it was reported that United were aware of Ronaldo’s wishes to leave Old Trafford for a second time, although they were willing to keep him at the club until his contract expires next year.
United need to at least present themselves as strong negotiators in the transfer market and with new manager Erik ten Hag has only had days to assess the situation — a week after taking pre-season for the first time – so their stance was to be expected at a time of unknown.
Ten Hag has identified Antony as a forward he’d like to bring to United this summer, but he may have second thoughts now that replacing Ronaldo could become top of the agenda.
A new report from The Sun claims United have now accepted they will lose Ronaldo this summer, with Ten Hag now having to plan for the future without United’s top scorer with 24 goals last season.
Neil Custis reports: “United were initially bullish about their star striker still being with them for next season. But Red Devils bigwigs have now recognised they cannot keep him against his will and want to avoid a long, drawn-out battle.”
SN’s verdict
It’s disappointing that Ronaldo has only let his feelings known to the club now when he surely knew all summer that he didn’t fancy playing in the Europa League next season.
I would go as far as to say this will damage the legacy he leaves behind him at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo returned for the homecoming. Nothing more.
Yeah – I’m sure he has a soft spot for Utd but he knows that #MUFC could only be good for the CR7 brand. I’ve always been a Messi man and Ronaldo for me will always be way down on the list; Charlton, Best, Robson, Big Pete, Cantona, Irwin, Keane, Beckham, Scholes, Rooney, Berbatov… not just as a player, but as a person/team member
MUFC could only be good for ronaldo? your having a laugh here no?
ronaldo only signed for united out of respect for ferguson and the club
huge mistake on his behalf judging by the majority of so called united fans. fact is the squad is full of serial losers, players whose mentality is nowhere near that of ronaldo’s, a proven winner. keep in mind that ronaldo was one of only two players who didn’t pack it in last season, the rest, people like fernandes, maguire, mctominay – the players that people mention when talking about putting the effort in – and caring about the club – well they couldnt be bothered.
it was ronaldo that spearheaded arguably our greatest ever team, his mentality as a winner meant united were so an amazing team. is bizarre when people bad mouth ronaldo, especially united fans, shows a lack of respect, and ignorance also.