Cristiano Ronaldo can now leave Manchester United, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph. Provided he can find a new club.
That second part can be tough when the clock is ticking on the summer transfer window.
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Ronaldo, 37, has wanted to leave all summer and United’s new manager, Erik ten Hag, was fine with that. However, reports have stated that United’s hierarchy wanted to keep Ronaldo at the club and that remains their position.
However, the latest report, via The Daily Telegraph, is that Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he can leave Manchester United if he can find a new club. That news comes from a shocking start to the season, as United have lost both games (to Brentford and Brighton after two terrible performances) and Ronaldo looked disinterested.
Our partners in the UK at Sky Sports say Ronaldo ‘may’ be allowed to leave if Erik ten Hag thinks it’s better for the team that Portuguese superstar leave Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo can leave #MUFC if Erik ten Hag decides this month that his departure is better for the future of the club.pic.twitter.com/izq4a0BMTH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 16, 2022
Where could he go?
There are only a few options left if he wants to continue playing in the Champions League, which is reportedly the main reason he wants to leave United.
An emotional return to Sporting Lisbon (Ronaldo would certainly have to face a massive pay cut) is an option, while Atletico Madrid are reportedly still interested in bringing Ronaldo back to La Liga.
With Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG seemingly out of options for Ronaldo, the reason he’s hanging out at the club is probably because no one was willing to bid for him and no one can afford the wages he currently has.
Cristiano Ronaldo situation. Jorge Mendes is still working to find a solution, possible last minute transfer like a year ago – Cristiano’s priority has always been to leave Man Utd this summer #MUFC
Man Utd insist he is not for sale – Jorge Mendes continues to explore options. pic.twitter.com/DEEUEFX3yr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2022
What impact does this have on United?
Well, as we saw on Saturday, Ronaldo doesn’t really fit into Erik ten Hag’s style of play and although he scored 24 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils last season, his presence on the side weakens team unity.
That’s crazy to say given his incredible consistency and quality over the years, but when you have Ronaldo on your team, it’s all about him. He is the focal point of your attack and that only works in certain systems.
United have looked better in the preseason with a flowing front three from Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford and Ronaldo’s influence in the dressing room is huge too.
Removing him from this situation to help Erik ten Hag get into a new philosophy and new ideas has always been the smart move and it baffles the notion that United haven’t moved Ronaldo this summer before. They are now looking to sign a new attacker as Antony, Jamie Vardy and Matheus Cunha are linked with a move to United.
