Man Utd must let Ronaldo go, says Red Devils legend
Daniel Edwards
- 6 Aug 2022 21:40 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes it is time for the club to cut their losses on Cristiano Ronaldo and make the star available for transfer.
The Ronaldo saga has dominated Old Trafford over the summer, overshadowing the start of Erik ten Hag's tenure as manager.
Ronaldo is reportedly looking to leave United as soon as possible in order to pursue Champions League football, whereas at the Reds he would have to dispute the Europa League after years of domination in the premier European competition.
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United have insisted they wish to maintain the Portugal captain in their squad, while Ten Hag has also stated that he is keen to work with the legend.
According to Rooney, however, a sale is the best option available to the club.
"I think United should let Cristiano Ronaldo go," Rooney explained in the Times.
"It's not that Ronaldo can't play in a Ten Hag team. He can play in any team. Ronny will always score you goals.
"But my personal view is that United aren't ready to challenge for the title now, so the aim has to be to build a team that can win the league in the next three to four years, and you have to plan for that.
"If the reports are true that Cristiano wants to leave the club, then United should allow him to go and get a No 9 in who is going to be there for the next three or four years and really help them build a team that can be successful.
"Ten Hag has to be given time to do it."
Will Ronaldo remain at Man Utd?Ronaldo has maintained a stony silence throughout the summer, communicating in public only through short, cryptic social media messages as the speculation over his future has grown.
As far as Ten Hag is concerned, though, the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus ace will be a part of his squad.
"How do I feel about starting the season with Ronaldo? I'm really happy," the manager told reporters ahead of his Premier League managerial debut on Sunday against Brighton, which Ronaldo is reportedly in line to start.
"I had told you before: we planned with him for the season. We have a top striker and I'm really happy he's here, he's in the squad and we stick to the plan."
