Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Ronaldo situation forces Man Utd hand as Fabrizio Romano reveals January plans had to change

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, November 2022

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the ongoing situation with Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has meant for a change of plans in January.

Following a fairytale return to Old Trafford for Ronaldo last summer, things have turned sour. Despite the fact that he seemingly thrived, in bagging 18 league goals last season, it emerged that he wanted to leave after the end of the season.

That was mainly due to the fact that United did not secure Champions League football. Given the Portuguese is the tournament’s top goalscorer ever, with with 141 goals, that he wanted to add to that made sense.

However, United were not able to come to an agreement with anybody to take the forward on board.

Since then, the situation has massively blown up, with Ronaldo right at the centre. He refused to come onto the pitch as a late substitute in a game against Tottenham, and was then suspended.

He then slated the club in an interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo stated he does not “respect” manager Erik ten Hag, and claimed he feels “betrayed” by people within Old Trafford.

There was already speculation that he would be moved on in January before that interview.

Now, Ronaldo leaving the club looks a sure thing, with the potential of his contract being terminated.

Ronaldo situation has forced United’s hand

The entire situation regarding the forward is sure to have turned things upside down at United at the moment.

Transfer insider Romano has revealed that some of United’s plans will now need to change as a result.

“Yes, striker will be one of the positions to keep an eye on for Manchester United because, honestly, from what I’m told, the original plan was to invest on a big striker in summer 2023,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

Indeed, Ronaldo would be out of contract by the end of the season. Nobody could have foreseen this situation, and the plan was likely to utilise him until that time came.

However, it is little surprise that has had to change, given the circumstances.

Big striker signing incoming?

Making a massive signing in January is not usually the norm for any club. Indeed, the bigger deals tend to come in the summer, with more time to properly prepare.

However, given United’s plans have now changed, it could be that a big deal is coming. They will want to snare a star name, that can start banging in the goals immediately.

There are a few players that could fit that category; one of which is Kylian Mbappe, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford of late.

That signing might be a struggle for them to pull off, given his role and his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. One element of that will not be too much of an issue if United get Ronaldo’s wages off the books. Indeed, the strikers likely make a similar amount of money.

All will become clearer come January, though United will desperately hope that they can bring in a fresh talent that will add to the dynamic of the side.

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