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Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has accepted to take a pay cut to force a move away from Manchester United this summer. As reported by British reporter Ben Jacobs, the 36-year-old is desperate to leave Old Trafford this transfer window.
CR7 is looking to join a team that will give him a chance to play in the Champions League next season. His agent, Jorge Mendes has allegedly informed potential clubs that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is willing to take a 30% pay cut on his £485,000 per week wages.
But despite these rumours, Manchester United has been adamant about not selling Cristiano Ronaldo in this window. Similarly, the new manager, Eric Ten Hag also seconded this thought as he talked about integrating CR7 in the lineup despite him being not part of the pre-season tour. Ten Hag also believes that Ronaldo's absence did not concern him and that he awaits striker's return.
"Concerning is maybe not the right word," said Ten Hag when asked for an update on Cristiano Ronaldo. "I focus on the players who are there and they are doing really well. They are in good shape and I have further focus on that and develop that. I cannot wait for (Ronaldo) to come in and then we will integrate him."
Ten Hag also talked about the extensive pre-season tour as the club is playing matches in three continents. "I think it's part of football nowadays and you have to accept it as a manager, as a team, and you have to get the best out of it and that's what we did," Ten Hag added.
"It's great for the team spirit, for so long we are together and we can improve that and develop that. You have a lot of time to work on the team because you are so close together. It's great to have the experience to come to nice cities, Bangkok, Melbourne, Perth, not every day we're coming here,” he continued.