Manchester United are in a mess, and that is no better epitomised by Cristiano Ronaldo. The transfer tug-of-war between the veteran striker, who clearly wants to leave, and The Red Devils has continued all summer, lingering like a cloud over Erik ten Hag’s new regime.
Ronaldo missed the first three weeks of pre-season, citing ‘family reasons’ and has cut a frustrated figure since, with his heart set on playing in the Champions League this season.
So far, however, offers have not been forthcoming, and Manchester United’s stance publicly at least has been that he is not for sale under any circumstances.
Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and AC Milan have all turned down the chance to sign the striker this summer.
Now, it has emerged, Ten Hag himself is not the man standing in the way of the veteran leaving this transfer window, with the issue instead coming from higher up in the United hierarchy.
That is according to the Manchester Evening News, who report that ‘Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer is against the prospect of selling of Cristiano Ronaldo despite the player’s wish to leave the club.’
Cristiano Ronaldo situation. Jorge Mendes’ still working to find a solution, potential last-minute transfer as one year ago – Cristiano’s priority has always been to leave Man Utd this summer 🚨🇵🇹 #MUFC
Man Utd insist he’s not for sale – Jorge Mendes keeps exploring options. pic.twitter.com/DEUEEfX3yr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2022
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Will Ronaldo leave?
As already touched on, a whole host of Europe’s elite clubs, where Ronaldo was almost certainly hoping to move to, have turned down the opportunity to sign the 37 year old this summer.
With Ronaldo wanting to stay in Europe’s top 5 leagues, and desperate to continue playing Champions League football, there are few doors left open to him. On the other hand, his staying in Manchester is continuing to hang over the Erik ten Hag regime like a bad smell.