Picture Credit: Twitter
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is clearly unhappy with the ongoing situation at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have failed to book a spot in the forthcoming Champions League season by claiming sixth place in the Premier League 2021-22. The lack of ambition and desire to win in the squad could lead to CR7's departure.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is yet to return to the Red Devils' camp for pre-season training, has asked the club to take a satisfactory transfer offer for him. He is also doubtful for the team's pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia.
Notably, United have failed to win a single match without Cristiano Ronaldo owing to player injuries and managerial adjustments last season. Dutch football coach Erik Ten Hag has a clear stance regarding the reshaping of the squad. Although he wanted to have the experience of Cristiano in the squad, he has his eyes set on young guns.
Man United academy players like Alejandro Garnacho, James Garner could become part of the first-team squad. The reshaping of the squad is a time-consuming process and if the combinations set by the coach fail or the team runs out of balance then it would be a total waste.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who is approaching his 40s, has a few years left to perform at the top level and risking a whole season with an under-construction squad could cost him a great deal. Till now, Cristiano Ronaldo's hunger to win trophies is already well-established and more than any trophy it's the UCL he has dreamt of every night since leaving Real Madrid.
The top scorer of the top-division European championship is only 15 goals ahead of the second-placed Lionel Messi. The 37-year-old can't take the risk to miss the UCL as it could cost him some top records.
The Manchester United forward has scored 6 goals in just 5 appearances in the Champions League last season. Former teammate and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was the UCL top scorer with 15 goals and helped his team to win the most-anticipated club football trophy for the record 14th time. Benzema (10) equalled Ronaldo in most goals in Champions League knockout stages in a single season.
What could be the next destination for Cristiano Ronaldo?
Former Real Madrid winger has been heavily linked with Premier League club Chelsea, German champions Bayern Munich, Football Club Barcelona, and Italian club Napoli. Chelsea FC lead the race to sign the champ as they have made an official bid of £14 million to Manchester United. The Blues' new owner, Todd Boehly is a huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo according to The Sun.
The world's highest goal scorer, Cristiano could be seen in the blue jersey in a matter of time only if manager Thomas Tuchel is convinced with his arrival. Apart from this, Barca and Napoli are also looking to sign the champion striker to strengthen their squad's attacking option with his unpredictable scoring prowess.
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has decided to leave Bundesliga side Bayern Munich for a new challenge. Cristiano is considered the most worthy option to replace Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena, however, Bayern Munich director Oliver Kahn believes that the Portugal international does not fit into the philosophy of the club, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The future of the Portuguese international is yet uncertain and with the transfer window closing on September 1, there could still be some twists and turns before there is clarity on Ronaldo's future.