Why Ten Hag is now open to sell Ronaldo
Suraj Radia
- 16 Aug 2022 12:06 CDT
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo could be allowed to leave Manchester United after Erik ten Hag appeared to have a change of heart over keeping the forward at Old Trafford.
United have previously been adamant on keeping their top scorer from last year despite his desire to leave for Champions League football but the club’s disastrous start to the campaign has caused the situation to be reassessed.
Ronaldo missed the majority of pre-season but his reintegration into the first-team since his return has been difficult, with reports suggesting his attitude around the training ground has been a negative impact on the dressing room.
The 37-year-old also frustrated club officials by defying assistant coach Steve McClaren and refusing to acknowledge the away fans after United’s dismal 4-0 loss at Brentford.
While there has been little to no serious interest from other clubs in Ronaldo, United are understood to be re-evaluating their stance and could let the Portuguese star leave in the hopes of boosting the atmosphere in the squad.
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Despite the lack of an obvious taker for Ronaldo, United have insisted they will not terminate his contract and the official line is still that they want to keep the player.
The club have been unwilling to sell their star player without signing a replacement, however United have struggled to secure any additions to their front line throughout the summer.
The lack of forthcoming offers for the player, combined with the difficulty in signing a forward and an injury to Anthony Martial meant that Ronaldo was all but certain to remain at Old Trafford until the end of his contract next summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo may be allowed to leave Manchester United this month if Erik ten Hag decides his departure would be better for the club going forward.
Kaveh Solhekol with the latest 👇 pic.twitter.com/MQUZPuSZdp— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 16, 2022
However, while United are still concerned over being able to replace Ronaldo’s output, there is a belief that the club may benefit from the player leaving due to his attitude since being denied his exit.
Ronaldo is believed to have spent some days eating alone at United’s training ground as well as throwing his hands up in training in disapproval of Ten Hag’s high-pressing tactics.
With back-to-back defeats in their opening two games leaving United rock bottom of the Premier League table, it is believed that Ten Hag is willing to let Ronaldo leave in order to save the club’s season.
