Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd told two things that have put Ronaldo off by teammate, with best outcome to transfer saga named

Man Utd forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford

The club Cristiano Ronaldo should join has been named by an international teammate who also hinted at two things that have put the striker off remaining at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo has let Manchester United know of his desire to seek Champions League football next season. The Red Devils cannot satisfy that demand and the 37-year-old icon has urged the club to entertain suitable offers that come from those who can.

Ronaldo has not returned to pre-season training since he dropped the bombshell. A family reason has been cited that will also keep him off the club’s pre-season tour to Thailand.

The Athletic put Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Napoli in the frame as potential landing spots. Barceloma, and PSG have since drawn links, though no club have yet lodged an official offer.

Now, speaking on talkSPORT, Ronaldo’s Portuguese teammate, Jose Fonte, has declared re-joining Real Madrid to be the “best” outcome for Ronaldo.

“Would he go back to Madrid? That would be, for him, the best,” said the ex-Southampton centre-back.

“If they want him back or not, that’s a different question.”

Real Madrid return unlikely

There has been no indication Real Madrid are plotting a move. What’s more, Karim Benzema has thrived since Ronaldo left for Juventus four years ago.

Benzema is the current favourite to scoop the 2022 Ballon d’Or and it’s difficult to see how two central strikers in their mid-late 30s could play together.

Regarding the reasoning behind Ronaldo’s exit wish, Fonte pointed to the obvious explanation of seeking Champions League football.

Ronaldo unimpressed by United squad?

However, he also claimed Ronaldo may have determined those around him aren’t good enough to put him in a position to win trophies at United.

“What I do know is that the man loves the Champions League,” continued Fonte.

“He believes it is the best competition in the world and knows how he has to perform to win Ballon d’Ors.

“Talking about Man United, I think they really have a good coach. I’ve played twice against Ajax and I was really impressed with the way they played and their philosophy.

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

“Ronaldo needs to be winning trophies and competing for trophies for the Ballon d’Or.

“He is a serial winner, as everyone knows. He might be looking at the squad and thinking, ‘Am I going to be able to win some trophies this year?’

“Maybe he doesn’t believe it. I don’t know. Only he can say.”

Who will Man Utd buy if Ronaldo goes?

Three of Europe’s premier centre-forwards have switched clubs in the last six months. Dusan Vlahovic joined Juventus in January, while Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez are now at Man City and Liverpool respectively.

The pool of strikers from which United could adequately replace Ronaldo with isn’t a deep one. As such, the Mirror claimed Erik ten Hag will pressure United into signing Antony if Ronaldo goes.

The Brazilian is primarily a winger, indicating one of two things.

Ten Hag may wish to operate with a more fluid front-line as City had between Sergio Aguero’s exit and Haaland’s arrival.

Either that, or Ten Hag is willing to put his faith in Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial to lead the line.

One thing is for sure, however, United need a Ronaldo resolution quick. If the Portuguese is to leave, the longer the saga drags on, the less time they’ll have to reinvest the transfer fee and £500,000-a-week salary they’ll save.