Latest Soccer News

Why Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United

On Saturday, it emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo has told Manchester United he wants to leave this summer — if the right bid comes in.

Ronaldo made an emotional return to United last summer, and despite an impressive individual season, the club could not break into the top four of the Premier League.

The Portugal international has now intimated that he wants out. Here’s why Ronaldo wants to leave the Once Mighty Red Devils.

So, why does Ronaldo want to leave?

It’s pretty simple. Ronaldo undoubtedly has a strong emotional tie to United — this is his second spell at the club. He previously played there between 2003 and 2009, winning the Premier League three times and the Champions League once.

However, if he stays, this coming season would be the first of Ronaldo’s senior playing career where his team will not feature in the Champions League. This is an issue for a player who has won the competition five times and is desperate to compete for it going forward.

United also did not compete seriously for any trophies last season.

At 37, Ronaldo will know he only has a few seasons left at the top level, and he is said to be desperate to win more honours before he retires.

As The Athletic reported last weekend, Ronaldo is keen for United to match his ambition by strengthening the squad.

They are still to make a signing this summer. They are, however, close to securing the transfer of Tyrell Malacia, want Frenkie de Jong and are in the race for Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

Do United want to sell him?

No. It is understood that the view from United is that Ronaldo is not for sale this summer.

He is still under contract for another season.

New manager Erik ten Hag has spoken warmly about working with Ronaldo, who has said he is “happy and excited” about the Dutchman’s appointment.

“I know (Ten Hag) did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he’s an experienced coach, but we need to give him time, and things need to change the way he wants,” Ronaldo added in a recent interview.

Would he still be appealing to other clubs?

Ronaldo might be slightly less of a runner than he was in the prime of his career, but his output has not diminished in front of goal.

He was United’s top scorer last season with 24 goals in 38 games. Even at 37, he was the third-leading scorer in the Premier League with 18 goals in that competition.

There has not been a dip in his goalscoring stats in recent seasons. He hit 28, 37 and 36 for Juventus over his three campaigns there.

Ronaldo has also remained injury-free to a remarkable degree. According to transfermarkt, he has only missed 19 days with physical injuries over the last two seasons.

Who is interested in him?

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly met with Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo’s agent, last month. The idea of Ronaldo joining Chelsea was one of the topics discussed.

It is unclear at this stage whether Chelsea will want to pursue the opportunity. Chelsea have let Romelu Lukaku return to Inter Milan on loan in the last few days.

The opportunity to sign Ronaldo has also been discussed with German champions Bayern Munich, who could lose Robert Lewandowski this summer amid interest from Barcelona.

Italian side Napoli are also credited with an interest in Ronaldo.

Would his exit be a problem for United?

Yes, absolutely. The Athletic recently wrote: “New manager Erik ten Hag has been preparing for Ronaldo’s presence in his team and emphasised the point at his unveiling. So Ronaldo’s desire to leave creates turbulence, especially as United are yet to secure any of their prime transfer targets.

“Attacking additions are further down the list, meaning Ten Hag would have to get creative if needing to fill a gap at centre-forward.”

“His place at the point of United’s attack was not without issues, though, so a departure could allow for space for Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to flourish.

“Still, United would be heading into a campaign without a recognised striker and options in the market are limited — two former targets in Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez have already joined rivals.”

Are Ronaldo’s concerns about United’s transfer business justified?

In a sense, yes. Champions Manchester City have already strengthened this summer, bringing in Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have signed Darwin Nunez to bolster their brilliant front line.

The strongest sides in the Premier League are just getting stronger. At the same time, Champions League winners Real Madrid have been active in bringing in Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger to improve their squad.

It’s easy to see why he would be frustrated at a perceived slow start to the window for United.

Back to top button