Cristiano Ronaldo has rocked Manchester United’s preparations for their new era under Erik ten Hag by requesting to leave Old Trafford.
The Times broke the story that Ronaldo, 37, wishes to leave less than a year after returning to Old Trafford from Juventus.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is keen to keep playing Champions League football, something that is not in United’s immediate future after they limped to sixth place in the Premier League last season.
United’s public stance is that Ronaldo is not for sale and under contract until 2023, although it is hard to see this potential saga playing out in such an uneventful fashion.
Cristiano Ronaldo latest transfer news and rumours
Chelsea interested in signing Ronaldo
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported on July 4 that Chelsea were among the clubs interested in signing Ronaldo from United.
It emerged last month that the forward’s agent, Jorge Mendes, had met with new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly and that a possible transfer was discussed.
The Blues’ new ownership group are thought to be intrigued by the idea of signing a player with Ronaldo’s global appeal, and finances are not likely to be an impediment. However, manager Thomas Tuchel would likely need to give his blessing to any such deal: the German coach could not get the best out of club-record signing Romelu Lukaku, and he was loaned back to Inter Milan.
It would also seem unlikely United would want to sell Ronaldo to a Premier League rival.
🚨 EXCL: Chelsea considering Cristiano Ronaldo move. Man Utd currently say not for sale but #CFC monitoring & not ruling out. Mendes talks continue – Boehly/Eghbali intrigued by idea. Tuchel admires 37yo but unclear if he would approve @TheAthleticUK #MUFC https://t.co/oFgWSX1b8q
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 4, 2022
Ronaldo stays away from Man United training for ‘family reasons’
United’s players who were involved in June internationals were due to return to training with their club teammates on July 4, but Ronaldo was not among their number.
However, the club insists this is nothing untoward and moved to avoid further stoking transfer speculation
According to reports in England, Ronaldo could not return on Monday due to “family reasons”, something the club accepted.
It is unclear at this stage whether Ronaldo will fly with United for their pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia on Friday. According to The Athletic, the forward’s presence on that trip is seen as “non-negotiable”.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not train at #MUFC today due to family reasons ❌ pic.twitter.com/UPEz84lTzN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 4, 2022
Dybala on United’s radar as a Ronaldo replacement
As is customary when such a transfer bombshell drops, attention quickly turns to who the replacement might be.
La Repubblica is reporting United have made contact with the representatives of one of Ronaldo’s former Juventus teammates.
Paulo Dybala is a free agent after his contract expired at the Allianz Stadium last month. The 28-year-old Argentina international scored 115 goals in 293 appearances for Juve, but his injury record over recent seasons leaves plenty to be desired.
Inter Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been linked with his services, although the respective moves of Romelu Lukaku, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison to those clubs might create an opportunity for United to appear a more attractive option.
68 – Paulo #Dybala has scored the most goals at the Allianz stadium in Torino in all competitions (68 goals). Joya.#JuveLazio #JuventusLazio pic.twitter.com/8LXfVbz5w7
— OptaPaolo 🏆 (@OptaPaolo) May 16, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo style of play: How would he fit in under Erik ten Hag?
Ronaldo’s delayed return to training has denied him the opportunity to sit down with Ten Hag and discuss where he fits into his plans. Of course, this might be a conversation he has no interest in being a part of at this stage.
The Athletic reported that Ralf Rangnick was keen on the idea of moving Ronaldo on last January, given he was suited to neither long-term planning nor a high-pressing style.
Although the differences between Ten Hag and Rangnick are handily highlighted by the fact the latter never took on his proposed consultancy role at Old Trafford, those particular concerns would still apply if the Dutchman is to successfully implement the swashbuckling style of football he oversaw at Ajax.
Nevertheless, at his unveiling press conference in May, Ten Hag said he looked forward to working with Ronaldo.
“Of course,” he replied when asked whether Ronaldo would be part of his United project. He refused to elaborate further, aside from adding that the veteran would bring “goals”.
