Everything Erik ten Hag has said about Cristiano Ronaldo amid Manchester United exit links

04.07.2022 - 12:43 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester United's pre-season preparations have been thrown into jeopardy following reports over the weekend that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club in this summer's transfer window.

It was reported by The Times that the Portuguese international wants to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of Champions League football. Furthermore, the report stated that Ronaldo has informed United of his decision and that he wants to be granted an exit if the club receives a 'satisfactory offer'.

Ronaldo, who is not expected to report back to Carrington for pre-season training today [Monday] 'due to family reasons', returned to United from Juventus almost a year ago. He scored 24 goals in all competitions in his first season back in M16, meaning he was one of very few positives last season.

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Although the club has failed to qualify for the Champions League for the forthcoming campaign, United were always confident that they would keep hold of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. They reiterated, once again, over the weekend that he is not for sale.

But should they be forced into letting go of the 37-year-old this summer, it would be a huge blow for new manager Erik ten Hag in more ways than one. Not only would he be losing the best player at the club, but he would also be left with a squad without a recognised striker, following Edinson Cavani's exit earlier this summer.

Ten Hag, before he had even stepped foot in England, waxed lyrical about Ronaldo and hinted at just how much he was looking forward to working with one of football's all-time greats.

"Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he's already shown and I think he's still very ambitious," Ten Hag told De