Man Utd ‘worst-case scenario’ still possible as Cristiano Ronaldo delays Al-Nassr transfer decision with Prem suitor ‘sure’ to be hovering

Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet made a decision about whether to join Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United, whose “worst-case scenario” they have fought to prevent could still come true, according to a report.

Man Utd recently ripped up Ronaldo’s contract to bring an end to his controversial second spell at the club. The striker was far from happy under Erik ten Hag and had already tried to quit for a Champions League club in the summer.

Now, Ronaldo will be free to do so if he can find one. However, not many of Europe’s elite clubs have been too eager to sign him. Instead, the first formal offer for his services has come from Saudi Arabia, where Al-Nassr would like to sign him.

Financially, it would be extremely lucrative for Ronaldo to accept their offer. Clubs in Europe or other territories would seriously struggle to compete with what Al-Nassr can put on the table.

Therefore, there has been a growing confidence that Ronaldo will make the move to the Middle East. However, it is not a foregone conclusion.

Recently, one reporter claimed Chelsea are back in contention to sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who would be “very tempted” by the idea of playing at Stamford Bridge.

Seeing Ronaldo line up elsewhere in the Premier League would be the “worst-case scenario” for Man Utd, according to the Mirror. But it is a scenario that could come true, the tabloid has claimed.

The report reveals that Ronaldo is still undecided about Al-Nassr’s offer. He is only going to make his mind up after his World Cup duties with Portugal end.

His preference is likely to be to remain in Europe, as TEAMtalk has also been told. In fact, he could stay in the Premier League itself.

Window of opportunity for Chelsea to consider Cristiano Ronaldo offer

The Mirror has backed up the idea that Chelsea are “sure” to still hold some kind of interest in Ronaldo. Although Man Utd tried to stop him joining them in the summer, there is nothing they can do now he is no longer under their contract.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will put their own formal offer together. For now, Al-Nassr still seem to be in pole position. But it could be all to play for in the race to sign the 37-year-old.

If he was to join Chelsea, he would certainly have a point to prove right under Man Utd’s noses. The two clubs are among those competing for a top-four finish, so one might have the last laugh.

Man Utd know all about how Ronaldo can positively impact a team, even if the same didn’t happen with them in his second spell overall. Therefore, they will be hoping he does not come back to haunt them by representing a Premier League rival.

It is out of their hands now, though – and the fact that Ronaldo is “open to offers” could have them worrying.

That said, they should start to think about what they can have more control over – namely who to bid for themselves in an effort to replace Ronaldo in January.

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