Why Man Utd can't afford to sell Cristiano Ronaldo
FT Desk
- Updated: 8 Jun 2022 21:43 BST
- 4 min read
Will Cristiano Ronaldo quit Manchester United?
The Portuguese legend insists he plans to stay on at Old Trafford for another season but, just two days before the transfer window reopens, there are plenty of reasons to doubt his sincerity.
Cristiano returned to Man Utd last summer after 12 years away in a much-publicised transfer from Juventus.
The superstar was aiming to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford and challenge for major trophies.
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However, despite impressing individually with 24 goals in 38 games, Man Utd endured the worst season in the club’s Premier League history.
They finished in sixth place, accumulating the lowest number of points since the Premier League was formed in 1992. They also conceded a club record number of goals and finished with their worst-ever goal difference.
Needless to say, they won no trophies.
This disastrous campaign naturally had everyone wondering whether Ronaldo would stay.
At the age of 37, even this super-human doesn’t have much longer left at the pinnacle of the game. And the perfectionist and professional that he is, he will want to play Champions League football and challenge for major trophies – something that won’t be possible at Man Utd.
Additionally, the arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager also raises suspicions as the Dutchman favours a high-octane, high-pressing style of football with a high line – a philosophy that doesn’t suit Ronaldo.
Gary Neville believes that Man Utd would be making a big mistake if they do sell Ronaldo because it would cost them a fortune to replace him and his goals.
“For me if Ronaldo leaves we’ve not got a centre-forward,” Neville told The Sportsman.
“Then we have to go and sign three players. And we can’t sign three because we haven’t got the money.
“He always gets 18 to 20 goals, so if they lose his goals then that’s a problem.”
Neville has a point in that signing a top-class forward does not come cheap.
Liverpool are currently in negotiations to sign Darwin Nunez for a fee that will surpass €100 million. There are better strikers than Nunez whose prices will now rise as a result.
Notwithstanding the fact that Man Utd’s lack of Champions League football rules out most of the globe’s best forwards, signing an established, proven goalscorer will at the very least make a dent of €60-70m in the club’s coffers.
Harry Kane won't leave but is valued at well over €100m, Napoli are asking for €100m for Victor Osimhen, Inter want €90m for Lautaro Martinez. The list goes on.
United already need to sign at the bare minimum two central midfielders, a centre back, two full-backs and another attacker.
That clearly won’t be possible all in one transfer window, even if Ronaldo stays.
Selling Ronaldo won’t recoup much money, while for years now Man Utd have failed dismally to raise cash from sales because other clubs can’t afford their players’ salaries.
In an ideal world, Ten Hag would move on from Ronaldo as it is true his inability to defend and press from the front is an issue when building a cohesive, modern team.
But financially, Man Utd can’t afford to let Ronaldo go.
They are better sticking with him for another year, improving other areas of the pitch and then signing a new striker in 2023.
