Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Man Utd is becoming increasingly unlikely – report

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has dominated headlines this summer but the superstar forward is running out of options and time is running out.

Less than four weeks remain of this summer’s transfer window and after asking to leave the club last month, he and his representatives have failed to mastermind an exit route.

Ronaldo made his long-awaited return to the club last week when he featured for 45 minutes against Rayo Vallecano – the final pre-season friendly of the summer.

His absence from all the preparation prior to that game has left him lagging behind the rest of the group, something Erik ten Hag has stressed he is addressing now.

Despite the lack of concrete interest, speculation surrounding his future has not dwindled for one second and there’s no way of knowing for sure that Ronaldo sticks around for the final year of his contract.

Read more: Man Utd must act fast to seal signing of forward, says Fabrizio Romano

That could be out of his control, however. According to The Athletic, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Ronaldo’s wish of leaving United is granted.

As per the report, United have not received any bids from European clubs for the player and his presence at the annual Premier League warm-up events with broadcasters was ‘notable’.

United have remained steadfast in their stance of rejecting any suggestion that Ronaldo is up for grabs this summer and now, it looks like Ten Hag is going to get the chance to work with a player he has showered with praise in the past.

United have been reluctant to let Ronaldo leave and part of that has reportedly been due to the lack of numbers in that area. Should he leave, Anthony Martial would become the only out-and-out striker at the club.

SN’s verdict…
Despite scoring 24 goals for the worst United side in the Premier League era, Ronaldo’s stocks have plummeted over the last 12 months and that has been reflected in the market.

Ronaldo’s ambition of extending his presence in the Champions League is understandable but when the options are scarce, you would hope that someone is in his ear advising him to crack on with it at Old Trafford.

The relationship with supporters may be damaged beyond repair – we won’t know for sure until the window shuts – but one final dance to end his then eight-year association with the club would be a fitting climax.

It must not be forgotten that United have an option to extend Ronaldo’s deal for an additional season and that prospect should not be discarded quite yet.

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