Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United is in doubt after the 37-year-old failed to show up for pre-season training just days after asking to leave the club.
Erik ten Hag was planning on the superstar forward to headline his United side but after being left out of the 31-man pre-season tour squad, there are now fears in the fanbase that he could have played his final game for the club.
Ronaldo’s potential departure could force United’s hand in the transfer market as well, with no out-and-out striker currently at hand to replace him.
Now, it’s being claimed that United are under increasing pressure to keep them by the club’s sponsors after they helped finance his £500,000 per week wages.
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That’s according to The Mirror, who say that United’s sponsors are keen to get the full two years out of his contract due to his commercial reach.
As per the report, United are relaxed about the situation but are mindful of the possibility of turning the saga into a circus. In a positive twist, it’s also claimed that the forward is expected to link up with the squad at some point during their tour of Thailand and Australia.
SN’s verdict…
Keeping Ronaldo for the second year of his contract would ease the burden of having to add another signing to Ten Hag’s long wishlist. Evidently, this year’s business is already proving to be challenging enough.
Just one player has been signed so far and although United are said to be in advanced discussions over a number of players, Ten Hag would have liked the bulk of his business to have been completed by this point.
A quick resolution to Ronaldo’s situation is, however, paramount. By the time United kick off their Premier League campaign in less than four weeks, this must be resolved.
