Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United has been up in the air for a number of weeks and his failure to show up for pre-season training, albeit due to family reasons, has only fuelled suggestions that a departure could be on the cards.
Ronaldo returned to United last summer and scored 24 goals in his homecoming season but the lack of Champions League football is said to have been a major factor in his desire to leave.
On Monday, it was revealed that Ronaldo would finally return to Manchester for showdown talks with the club and the 37-year-old was present at Carrington the following day.
Now, there’s an update on the situation. According to The Telegraph, United have maintained their position that Ronaldo cannot leave the club this summer after Tuesday’s meeting.
The club are sticking to their guns but as per the report, the meeting did little to convince Ronaldo as the superstar is still looking for an exit. The meeting is said to have ended at an impasse.
SN’s verdict…
It would be fair to assume that United’s main frustration with Ronaldo wanting to call quits is the lack of numbers it would leave Erik ten Hag with.
Ronaldo is the only out-and-out forward and the club and although Martial has impressed during pre-season, history tells you that he cannot be relied on.
The outcome of all of this is anyone’s guess but if Ronaldo leaves, Ten Hag will be desperate to sign a replacement. Going into the new season with just one forward is a disaster waiting to happen.