Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo (R) sits on the bench during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on October 2, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo is enduring the most difficult spell of his career as he finds himself on the periphery of Erik ten Hag’s squad planning this season. The forward has started just one Premier League game this season, the 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August.
Since then, he has been a permanent fixture on the bench at Old Trafford but has started all three of United’s games in the Europa League.
Rumours of a potential exit were widespread over the summer but a move never materialised and he’s had to settle for a bit-part role under Ten Hag.
Now, it’s being reported that Turkish giants Galatasaray, who recently confirmed the signing of Juan Mata, are interested in taking the Portugal international.
That’s according to Turkish outlet Fotomac, who say that Galatasaray are ready to go ‘all in’ to bring Ronaldo to the Turkish league.
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It’s reported that Erden Timur, a leading senior official at the Turkish club, has been in contact with Ronaldo’s camp to sound out a potential move.
Ronaldo has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at United and is free to speak with foreign clubs over a pre-agreement in January.
SN’s verdict…
Much of Ronaldo’s frustrations and his desire to leave United has been put down to his ambition of playing in the Champions League again and thus, a move to Galatasaray would make little sense.
An exit in the upcoming January window is, however, looking likely if United receive a suitable proposal. It’s highly unlikely that Ronaldo will remain beyond next summer despite their option of extending his deal for an additional season.