Cristiano Ronaldo has asked Manchester United to let him leave if a fair offer comes through from any club this summer.
The 37-year-old forward from Portugal returned to Old Trafford last summer from Juventus.
Although he finished third in the Premier League and first for United in scoring last season, the overall campaign was viewed as a huge letdown.
United missed out on qualifying for the Champions League after finishing sixth in the Premier League.
As a result, Ronaldo, who still has one year on his contract with United and one more year on the table, will play in the Europa League for the first time in his illustrious football career.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner who has also won five UEFA Champions League titles seems not to be interested in playing in the second tier of European club football and believes more alluring choices may be available to him at this point.
The ex-Real Madrid forward is keen to emphasize that he respects United, but as his career nears its end, he wants to compete for the highest honors.
It is thought that Ronaldo is not viewed as a player who is for sale by United.
Losing one of United’s best players would be a blow to their reputation, but it would also help incoming manager Erik ten Hag resolve a few problems.
Last season, Ronaldo and Harry Maguire had an argument over who should lead United, and Ronaldo’s resistance to playing in a pressing approach prevented interim manager Ralf Rangnick from implementing the system.
Although Ten Hag has expressed his eagerness to play with Ronaldo, it is unclear how the forward’s style of play would mesh with the Dutchman.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also the best-paid player in the Premier League, therefore his departure would free up more money in the summer transfer budget for United.
This week, Ronaldo is scheduled to report back to the team for preseason practice. He’s expected to travel with them on their pre-season tour to Australia and Thailand.
Ronaldo re-joined United in August of last year in a trade with Juventus valued just under £20 million. He scored 24 goals in 38 games, although at times he appeared disgruntled as the squad struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick to finish sixth.
Erik ten Hag hopes to have the majority of United’s issues settled before the team departs on its preseason trip on July 8.
Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona has a basic deal in place with the club, and Tyrell Malacia of Feyenoord is close to signing a contract.
While Christian Eriksen weighs whether to accept a deal from United or stay at Brentford, United is keenly interested in Lisandro Martinez, an Arsenal target, and has been conducting due diligence on the situation. The former Tottenham midfielder “remains open to” the various alternatives that are currently being discussed.
