Last year, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United after spending five seasons with Real Madrid. But it appears that the 37-year-old wants to play in the Champions League again, which means he may have to leave his current club. Manchester United says it has no plans to sell the player, but peace talks between the two camps have reportedly failed this week after Ronaldo’s heart was set on playing at the very highest level while he still can. However, despite being one of the greatest players to ever play the game, it seems Ronaldo’s options are limited. According to widespread reports in European media outlets this week, Atlético Madrid had been a potential destination for him but not everyone at the Spanish club was happy with the possibility of signing him.
Ronaldo, a legend at Real Madrid’s archrival Atlético, is reportedly being pursued by Bayern Munich in the wake of the Bavarian club’s decision not to sign Robert Lewandowski. After the Polish forward left for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern officials decided against signing Ronaldo. A banner at a preseason game against Numancia read: “CR7 Not Welcome.”
Manchester United standoff
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 24 goals for Manchester United last season, but the club fell short of Champions League qualification and lacked any sense of identity. New manager Erik Ten Hag has been tasked with turning things around at the sleeping giant and has publicly said he is planning for life with Ronaldo. “I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together,” the manager said earlier this month, despite the fact Ronaldo missed the entire preseason tour citing family issues. There are doubts about his ability to score goals because of his age and enormous wage demands.
There are also many who question whether the Portuguese star is capable of fitting into different team philosophies, including Ten Hag’s demanding style of play. As the season opener draws closer — United kicks off against Brighton on August 7 — something will have to give in his stand-off with the Red Devils. Fans will just have to hope Ronaldo’s legacy won’t be tarnished by this latest transfer saga.