Next Cristiano Ronaldo club named, as sour Man Utd relations could prompt major compromise
A perfect storm has led to one outlet declaring who Cristiano Ronaldo could join next, though the Man Utd icon would need to make a major compromise.
Ronaldo’s fairytale return to Old Trafford has devolved into something of a nightmare. The Portuguese icon did exactly what he was supposed to do last season, top scoring for Man Utd with 24 goals across all competitions.
However, there was always a feeling United’s overall game suffered when Ronaldo played.
Bruno Fernandes’ displays are night and day when Ronaldo is and isn’t in the same eleven. What’s more, if Man Utd are to ever haul the likes of Man City and Liverpool in, they cannot afford to carry passengers on the defensive side of the game.
Handling a declining Ronaldo was always going to be a stern test of new boss Erik ten Hag. Thus far, the Dutchman has taken a firm approach to any and all shenanigans.
Ronaldo has been relegated to a bit-part player this season and his frustrations boiled over on Wednesday night.
The 37-year-old walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute and the Daily Mail reported he left Old Trafford entirely.
He was therefore not involved in the team’s celebrations after a commanding 2-0 victory over Tottenham. The same newspaper also claimed Ronaldo had actually refused to come on as a substitute when given the call by Ten Hag.
Man Utd punish their legend; Ronaldo responds
Man Utd have since banished Ronaldo from training and dropped him from the squad to face Chelsea on Saturday.
The Mirror reports he’s been slapped with a fine in the region of £1m (equivalent to two weeks’ wages). Ronaldo’s own version of events can be found here.
His contract expires in 2023, though Manchester United do hold an option for an extra 12 months. But given the deteriorating relationship, it’s unlikely it’ll be triggered.
Ronaldo wanted out last summer and hoped to continue his Champions League legacy elsewhere. He’s the top scorer (140 goals) in that competition at present, leading great rival Lionel Messi (127) by 13 goals.
Now, the Mirror suggest who Ronaldo’s next club might be, though the striker would need to give up his UCL ambitions.
Ronaldo coming to America?
They report MLS side Inter Miami is looking an increasingly likely route.
The Florida side are co-owned by David Beckham who doubles up as club president, giving the potential move an obvious Man Utd connection. However, Inter Miami have recently lost their most prized designated player.
Each MLS side are afforded up to three ‘designated player’ spots to fill their squad. Players that meet that criteria are then exempt from the club’s salary cap, meaning high wages can be agreed.
Gonzalo Higuain filled such a role and was a fan favourite in Miami. However, their MLS Cup play-off exit to New York City earlier this week ended their season and Higuain has since retired.
The Mirror reckon Ronaldo will be looking for a ‘speedy exit’ from Old Trafford and expect Inter Miami to do all they can to land Ronaldo.
Miami have been linked with Ronaldo in the past, though it’s claimed they would’ve only been able to complete a move if no transfer fee was involved.
Given Ronaldo’s relations with United have turned sour, the Red Devils may now be willing to allow him to leave for free.
The DP rule also allows the American side to match Ronaldo’s colossal salary. He’s understood to be earning around £500,000-a-week at United.
The only downside from the player’s perspective is his Champions League dreams would go by the wayside.
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