What a fall from grace
Manchester United are reportedly considering releasing Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer.
Ronaldo made headlines after he stormed down the tunnel in the 89th minute of United’s 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, leaving the ground altogether before the full-time whistle.
As punishment, manager Erik ten Hag has made the decision to drop Ronaldo from his squad entirely for their visit to Chelsea on Saturday.
The 37-year-old has since released a statement calling for support from the United fans but according to iNews, Ronaldo may have already burnt his bridges at Old Trafford.
Sources have claimed that the club are communicating with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, about an exit strategy and if they are unable to find any potential suitors, will even consider terminating his contract.
Mendes had been to find a new club for Ronaldo in the summer after the Portugal international expressed his desire to leave following United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League last season.
The plan to move Ronaldo on has been a struggle to say the least, with clubs unwilling to match his extortionate wages for a player coming towards the end of his career.
Ten Hag has also shown that his side can play without Ronaldo. The forward has started two Premier League games this season and the Dutchman hasn’t been afraid to answer difficult questions around his decision to leave Ronaldo out of his side.
“I don’t pay attention today, we will deal with that tomorrow,” he said on Wednesday.
“I want to focus on this team, on these 11 players.
“Against Tottenham, you need good pressing, good counter-pressing. So you need good pressing players. Offensive wise you need that dynamic. That’s what Marcus [Rashford] brings.”
Related links:
- Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford before full-time whistle
- Erik ten Hag gives best possible response to Cristiano Ronaldo tunnel walk
- Cristiano Ronaldo walks down Old Trafford tunnel before end of Man United win over Spurs
