Cristiano Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United is nearing an end, however to a distasteful one. The recent drama surrounding the forward who returned to Old Trafford last summer has left both the player as well as the club fuming. The fractured relationship is now being deemed as unrepairable as Ronaldo is bracing up for an exit in the upcoming January transfer market post the World Cup, with United who were first reluctant in letting him go now accepting his stance.
The Sun reports that with an Old Trafford exit around the corner, Ronaldo is garnering solid interest from Italy. Many of Serie A’s top clubs have already set in motion their plans to try and entice the Portugal international, with the English outlet also adding that the player as well keen on a return to Italy. Ronaldo has already had a brilliant experience of plying his trade in the Serie A with Juventus, winning five trophies in his three seasons there.
Cristiano Ronaldo could leave United for free in January
Cristiano Ronaldo has been at crossroads with United since the start of the season, after first the club blocked his departure, and then his falling out with new manager Erik ten Hag. The former Real Madrid forward had made up his mind on quitting United after the club failed to achieve a top four finish last season, which meant there would be no Champions League football this season at Old Trafford. Ronaldo, who has won the competition five times and is also its all-time top scorer couldn’t take the fact and immediately handed in a transfer request.
However, United too stood their ground in blocking his exit and the player too failed to attract concrete offers. As a result, Ronaldo stayed and missed out on the Champions League and for the first time in his professional career, is seen lining-up to the Europa League anthem. However, the problems have been deeper than the European competition as the five-time Ballon d’Or has found his playing time cut short by Ten Hag.
The Dutchman wants high-pressing football and subsequently needs younger legs who are ready to press relentlessly. A 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is not one of them and hence has gotten only 2 league starts in 8 games. Moreover, his recent misconduct during the Tottenham game where he refused to come on as a sub, as later confirmed by Ten Hag and rather stormed down the tunnel before the full-time whistle has resulted in the nail in the coffin. The United manager gave the stick back as he dropped the Portuguese for the Chelsea game, and now wants him gone.
Amidst such crisis, Serie A could come to the rescue of Ronaldo who will be desperate to leave in January. United too are ready to welcome any potential offers, and are even willing to terminate his contract to help facilitate his exit. While his former side Juventus are being touted as one of the interested parties, their dismal form this season has not impressed Cristiano. He was in Turin for three years before returning to England, as he notched up a staggering 101 goals in 134 games in all competitions for the Old Lady.
Serie A leaders Napoli are one of the favourites as well, who were being linked with a move for the United forward during the summer as well. Defending league champions AC Milan too are keeping an eye on him as they plan to replace his national teammate Rafael Leao who could leave next summer. Inter and Roma are also in the fray, with a reunion of Mourinho who is now at the helm at Stadio Olimpico and Ronaldo being speculated.
Meanwhile, United’s fellow rivals Chelsea who came the closest in acquiring Cristiano Ronaldo this summer have backed out from the race. The Blues’ new owner Todd Boehly was head over heels according to multiple reports to bring in the global superstar to Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea’s then manager Thomas Tuchel opted against a move and the transfer collapsed. With new manager Graham Potter in charge, many expected Chelsea will rekindle their interest in the wantaway United legend. But the Londoners now want to concentrate on young breed and have prioritised Milan’s Leao as their next target.