Ronaldo may finally get his wish
Manchester United are now reportedly open to allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the club this transfer window, amid concerns his mood is affecting the rest of the squad.
Ronaldo made it clear earlier in the summer that he wants to leave the club after they failed to secure Champions League football. United initially stood firm, with manager Erik ten Hag previously saying he wasn’t for sale.
The likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid all pondered a move earlier in the window, but none came to fruition.
Atletico were most strongly linked but cooled their interest after their fans strongly protested a move for the former Real Madrid forward.
The 37-year-old returned to pre-season training late, citing family issues as the reason for being absent, but his return has coincided with a complete dive in morale.
Figures at the club are now concerned his behaviour is having a negative impact on the rest of the squad and United’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend has only increased those concerns.
Reports have said that Ronaldo barely communicates with his teammates and has even been seen eating lunch alone when in the canteen at the training ground.
BBC Sport have claimed they have been told that insiders believe that United’s issues won’t be solved until Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford and that plans are being drawn up to allow him to find a new club.
Gary Neville says United will finish in the ‘bottom half’ if they sell Ronaldo
Despite the issues surrounding Ronaldo and United as a club, some believe that his departure could cause even bigger problems.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Gary Neville said that the club are almost in a lose-lose situation with Ronaldo and fears that if he does leave, the Red Devils could finish in the bottom half of the table.
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“There is a massive decision to make on Ronaldo. He is obviously not happy, the problem is if they lose him there is nothing left in the goalscoring part of the pitch.
“I genuinely think if he leaves and they don’t bring people in they could finish bottom half of the table.”
United’s next game is a must-win fixture against rivals Liverpool on August 22, with both sides yet to pick up their first three points of the season.
Related Links:
- Cristiano Ronaldo ‘eats alone in canteen and questions Ten Hag’s high-press tactics’
- Atletico Madrid ultras release statement telling club not to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
- Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher in full agreement on Man United’s worst transfers of post-Fergie era
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