Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly considering leaving the 20-time English champions during this summer's transfer window.
The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford last August and has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Red Devils, finding the back of the net on 24 occasions in 37 appearances, in addition to contributing three assists.
In the Premier League, he has netted 18 times and provided three assists in 29 appearances, but a disappointing campaign for Man United has left them in sixth spot in the table and facing the probability of playing Europa League football next term.
Ronaldo still has another year left to run on his contract, with the option of another 12 months, but according to The Sun, Man United are facing a battle to keep hold of the Portugal international.
The report claims that the experienced forward is desperate to again play in the Champions League football next term, which could lead to him seeking a move away in the upcoming market.
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Man United are said to be desperate to keep hold of the former Sporting Lisbon youngster but face a battle to convince him to remain at Old Trafford without top-tier European football.
Incoming head coach Erik ten Hag has allegedly not yet communicated his plans for Ronaldo, who has recently been linked with a return to Real Madrid.
"I don't think why it should be a wave of goodbye. He's got another year of his contract, and as far as I know he will be here next season again," the club's interim head coach Ralf Rangnick said after Monday's clash with Brentford.
Ronaldo's form was questioned in the middle part of the season, but he has been back to his best in recent weeks, scoring hat-tricks against both Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, in addition to netting against Arsenal, Chelsea and Brentford in the team's last three matches.
The Portuguese has now netted 142 goals and registered 71 assists in 329 appearances for Man United during two separate spells, having made his name at Old Trafford earlier in his career.
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The Red Devils are not mathematically out of the race for a top-four spot, but they sit five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have two games in hand, so the Gunners, and fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, would need to collapse to allow Man United back into the race.
The 20-time English champions will play their final two matches of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, and a spot in next season's Europa League looks to be the most probable outcome for the club.
Edinson Cavani is leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of June, while the futures of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are unclear, so Ronaldo's exit would leave the club needing to add two or three new forwards in the upcoming market.
Ronaldo appeared to say that he 'was not finished' during Man United's lap of honour on Monday, following the three-goal success over Brentford, but the forward has since taken to social media to deny that was the case, which has led to more speculation surrounding his future.
Matt Law
