Transfer Centre

Cristiano Ronaldo 'set to stay at Manchester United this summer'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 31 August 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo is now set to stay with Manchester United beyond the end of this summer's transfer window, according to a report.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to stay at Manchester United beyond the end of this summer's transfer window.

The 37-year-old is believed to have informed the Red Devils at the start of July of his desire to seek pastures new this summer in order to continue playing Champions League football.

There have been a shortage of takers for the Portugal international, though, with the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Inter Milan all believed to have rejected the chance to sign him.

A recent report claimed that Napoli and Sporting Lisbon are in the running for the attacker late in the window, with his agent Jorge Mendes still said to be working to find an exit before the deadline.

However, according to journalist Manu Sainz, only a 'last-minute miracle' would see the Portuguese leave Old Trafford before the transfer window closes for business.

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

Ronaldo has played in all four of Man United's Premier League matches this season but has only started once, with the forward named on the bench against Liverpool and Southampton in the team's last two games.

The former Sporting youngster only played the final four minutes against Liverpool on August 22, while he featured for the last 22 minutes against Southampton on August 27.

According to The Sun, Ronaldo has been impressed by the club's recent acquisitions of Casemiro and Antony, and he is now prepared to remain in Manchester.

The report claims that the striker is ready to 'buy into Erik ten Hag's revolution', with the club showing their ambition in the transfer market this summer.

Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro have all arrived, while a deal for Antony is on the verge of going through; the club are also set to sign Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United on an initial loan deal.

Ajax attacker Antony pictured in February 2022 © Reuters

Ronaldo has been reluctant to play in the Europa League this season, but he could now be involved in the team's 2022-03 opener against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on September 8.

Man United will play twice more in the Premier League before their European campaign begins, though, travelling to Leicester City on Thursday before hosting Arsenal three days later.

Ronaldo scored 24 times for the Red Devils last season, including 18 in the Premier League, but a disappointing season for the club saw them finish down in sixth position in the table, seeing them miss out on the Champions League.

"I think he (Ronaldo) can [adapt], and in his whole career and under several managers, he did. Several styles and systems. He always performed. Why can't he do this?" Ten Hag told reporters after the recent win over Liverpool.

"His age is not an issue. If you are young, you are good enough, and when you are old, you still deliver the performance, you are also good enough."

There has allegedly been interest in Ronaldo this summer from Champions League clubs, but the majority have been put off by his wages, which are believed to be in excess of £500,000 a week.