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Manchester United 'prepared to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave on a free transfer'

Man United 'prepared to let Ronaldo leave on a free transfer'
© Reuters
Manchester United are prepared to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer in January, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer.

The 37-year-old is believed to have informed the Red Devils of his desire to depart over the summer at the start of July, as he was desperate to continue playing in the Champions League this season.

However, according to ESPN, aside from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal, Man United did not receive any enquiries for the Portugal international despite the widespread speculation.

The report claims that privately the club's owners were prepared to let him leave over the summer despite the Red Devils continuing to insist that he was not for sale.

There has been talk of potential interest from Galatasaray in recent weeks, but it is believed that the Turkish outfit are not currently preparing to move for the experienced forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United on October 13, 2022© Reuters

Man United are allegedly prepared to let the Portuguese leave on a free transfer in January, while he could potentially be loaned out at the start of 2023 to take him to the end of his contract.

There is believed to be a serious lack of suitors for Ronaldo, though, with many clubs put off by his substantial salary.

The forward has also found it difficult to show his best form during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on just two occasions in 12 appearances, in addition to contributing an assist.

Ronaldo again hit the headlines on Wednesday evening when he went down the tunnel before the end of his side's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said at his press conference on Friday that the former Sporting Lisbon youngster had refused to enter the field as a late substitute.

Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester United training on October 12, 2022© Reuters

As punishment, Ronaldo has been forced to train alone since the incident occurred, while he has been left out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

However, despite the recent speculation, Ten Hag has insisted that the striker will be staying until the end of the season.

"Both (whether he wants him to stay in January and whether he will), it [dropping Ronaldo] is for this game and then we continue. It's a strike," said the Dutchman.

"As we said in the statement, Cristiano remains an important part of the squad and I count on him for the rest of the season. We want to fulfil our ambitions."

Ronaldo could therefore be back in training with the Red Devils on Monday morning to prepare for Thursday's Europa League contest with Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United on September 8, 2022
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