With just under a month until the transfer window closes, Cristiano Ronaldo‘s chances of leaving Manchester United continue to diminish.
He made it clear he wants to leave for a new side after the Red Devils failed to qualify for the Champions League, but have so far rejected every bid made for the Portuguese star.
So where do things currently stand? Ronaldo did not travel with his United team-mates for pre-season training in Thailand and Australia. Returning to Manchester, Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes met with management to discuss his future.
Even Ferguson failed to convince him
Cristiano appeared at Carrington, United’s sports facilities, with Mendes on 26 July. Sir Alex Ferguson was waiting for him there, hoping to convince him to reconsider his position and stay at the club.
Instead, Ronaldo reaffirmed his intention to leave the Red Devils. From there he began training with the U23 team and did not travel to Oslo for the game against Atletico Madrid, but played against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.
However, he only played the first half and left the stadium before the end of the match, which was not appreciated by manager Erik ten Hag.
“It’s unacceptable”
The Dutchman attacked Ronaldo along with other plans that ended early.
“I certainly don’t condone it. This is unacceptable. For everyone. We are a team and you have to stay until the end,” Ten Hag told AD and Viaplay.
Reports from England suggest the Ten Hag has already ruled Ronaldo out of contention for a starting spot in Sunday’s opener against Brighton.
Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford could take his place, although the Frenchman may not recover in time after picking up a knock against Atletico Madrid.
The transfer window remains open until September 1, but will Cristiano leave with the season already underway?
Is he resigned to being relegated to the bench? Will he give up his desire to leave United even though they can’t give him Champions League football?
With all these scenarios still undecided, all eyes will be on how this soap opera pans out in the coming weeks.