Robbie Fowler thinks Man Utd need to axe Cristiano Ronaldo, but warns star about consequences of transfer

Robbie Fowler thinks that Manchester United should get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo, though he has warned the striker of the consequences of a move.

Despite being a United legend, Ronaldo has been the root of most of the club’s problems of late. The first spell of his career at Old Trafford went swimmingly.

He won his first Ballon d’Or with United in 2008. Indeed, he had won the Premier League’s golden boot in the 2007/08 campaign.

The Portuguese bagged 84 goals in the league during the six-year period with the club. He moved onto bigger and better things in 2009, swapping United for Real Madrid in a transfer for a world-record fee of £80million.

Since he left United, he has gone a long way to etching his name into footballing history. Indeed, Ronaldo scored hundreds of goals with both Real and Juventus – becoming the highest goalscorer in history.

There was much speculation over a move at the back end of his time in Italy. Most of United’s fanbase was elated when it was revealed that he would return to Old Trafford.

Despite being towards the back end of his career, Ronaldo still put in some top performances. The forward was the Red Devils’ top goalscorer, with 24 goals in all competitions.

However, with United not managing to secure Champions League football – finishing sixth – Ronaldo decided he wanted to leave. It has been clear that Ronaldo is not happy for much of this season after he did not manage to move away.

That has meant for some unsavoury moments. Not least when the star striker refused to come on in a 2-0 win over Tottenham, instead walking down the tunnel before the final whistle.

Fowler thinks United need to cut ties

With Ronaldo having hardly played this season – starting just twice in the league – former Premier League striker Fowler thinks it’s time to go.

“It is quite clear that Ronaldo doesn’t fit into that plan, so the best concern for all parties is if he goes,” he told The Mirror.

“The simple answer I can give you. He is a great player but if he wants to play close to 90 minutes then he has got to go.

“As a player, it is hard to get your head around that you aren’t the first player being picked for the team.”

Indeed, Ronaldo may have to make his way to another side to get game time. That may be easier said than done, though, as he wanted to move in the summer and nothing came of that.

Ronaldo move has consequences

Fowler feels the situation Ronaldo is in is similar to one he endured during his time as a footballer. He has also warned of a certain consequence of the striker moving away from Old Trafford.

“That’s why I left Liverpool for Leeds. I felt for me and my game, as much as I love Liverpool, I needed to play football. I felt I was forced out of the club by not playing but I needed to go and play for my own sanity,” Fowler added.

“The money situation is massive and any club in the world would take him. If he wants to continue to play at a good level then unfortunately for him he will have to take a huge pay cut. He should be aware of that.”

Perhaps Ronaldo was not able to force through a move in the summer as sides knew they could not afford him. Should he drop his demands, he might find a route away from Manchester.