Harry Maguire has all but lifted the lid on Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Manchester United after just one season at Old Trafford. While Ronaldo did well in front of the goal for the English giants, he could not inspire Manchester United to finish the season strongly.
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils but could not avoid the club’s long wait for a silverware. United finished the league at the sixth spot and have missed out on the Champions League action.
Since the season ended in a disappointing manner for Manchester United, rumours of Ronaldo leaving the club started doing the rounds. However, it was widely believed that the Portuguese star would spend at least one more season in Manchester after the arrival of Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo, however, has other plans. The five-time Ballon D’Or winner has informed the club about his desire to leave Old Trafford and look for a new challenge.
Harry Maguire all but confirms the reason behind Ronaldo’s decision:
The football world is still guessing the reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden decision to leave Old Trafford after just one season. While few quarters are claiming that Ronaldo has decided to leave United in order to play Champions League football, other quarters are claiming that the reason is United’s lack of ambition in the ongoing market.
Amidst all these, Harry Maguire might have revealed the real reason behind his teammate’s decision. If Maguire’s recent activity on Instagram is anything to go by, Ronaldo is definitely not leaving United because of no Champions League football or lack of ambition.
The United defender has ‘liked’ a post about Ronaldo being “upset” with the 25 per cent wage cut at the club. The salary slash has come as a result of United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The reported salary cut will see Ronaldo’s wages drop from £480k-a-week to £360k weekly wage next season, if he is denied a move away. Maguire, on the other hand, currently pockets £190k-a-week but the 25 per cent cut would reduce that to £147.5k.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is yet to link up with United for the pre-season. The former Real Madrid star was due back at Carrington for pre-season on Monday but delayed his return due to family reasons. Ronaldo’s absence has pretty much messed up United’s pre-season plans as they look to tour Thailand and Australia.