Ralf Rangnick Suggested Selling Cristiano Ronaldo In January

It has been reported that Manchester United discussed selling Cristiano Ronaldo in January, the move never materialised and now he wants to leave the club.

Last week, Ronaldo dropped a major bombshell by telling the club to let him leave if a ‘satisfactory offer’ comes in for him.

And now, doubts are starting to creep in after the news broke that the Portuguese star is not expected back in training today due to family reasons. United are due to fly out on their pre season tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday.

However, United’s stance remains unchanged, stating that their star man is not for sale.

According to The Athletic, United discussed selling Ronaldo is the January transfer window, then interim manager Ralf Rangnick suggested to football director John Murtough and chief executive officer Richard Arnold that Ronaldo be moved on and replaced in the window. There were said to be multiple emails and messages regarding this topic.

There were stories circulating at the start of the year that Ronaldo would consider his future if United failed to qualify for the Champions League, and multiple players in the squad felt the same also. And Rangnick decided to take action.

After seeing stories about Ronaldo’s future at the club being uncertain beyond the end of the season, he felt that it was better to act sooner rather than later.

Furthermore, the German did not see 37-year-old Ronaldo as part of United’s long term success. Rangnick felt it was better to sign a player that could adapt to his high pressing style of play and as a result, the team will produce better performances. The club officials did not entertain selling their most prized asset.

Ronaldo stayed, and United had a dismal end to the 21/22 season, failing to qualify for the Champions League as the club finished sixth place, collecting United’s lowest ever Premier League points tally.

New manager Erik ten Hag had barely had the chance to get his ideas across and has now been presented with another problem, Ronaldo wants out.

The Portuguese great has been linked with a move to clubs like Napoli and Chelsea, and news emerged that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes met with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and discussed a potential transfer involving Ronaldo.

It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will stay with United, but this is something the club can do without as they look to deliver a better season than the last few years as the new era under Ten Hag begins.