With the transfer deadline day edging closer with just over a month left in the transfer window, the question remains whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Manchester United for the upcoming 22/23 campaign.
In a transfer window that has left Manchester United entwined in numerous transfer sagas, the shock desire of Cristiano Ronaldo wanting to leave the Red Devils has proved to be the icing on the cake.
Since returning to Manchester United following a season where the side finished second on the Premier League ladder, Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in a Manchester United team which failed to deliver in a campaign many supporters had hoped to see a trophy arrive at the club since the Red devils last in 2017.
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After an abysmal 21/22 campaign for Manchester United, there was now a sense of excitement and ambition with the arrival of current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
The appointment of Erik ten Hag had many supporters excited about the future ahead for Manchester United. As the pre-season tour had been announced in Australia and Bangkok, many fans were left staggered when news arrived that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be returning to training and on the tour due to personal reasons.
Shortly after it had been reported from Duncan Castles that the Portuguese superstar had desired a transfer away from the Red Devils in hope of playing Champions League football.
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Although the personal issues surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo are yet to be known, it is said that these issues have no correlation with Ronaldo’s desire to leave Manchester United as the Portuguese phenomenon is said to be the ultimate professional.
Following conflicting stories on whether Cristiano Ronaldo would stay or leave Manchester United, possible suitors had been reported to be the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Since news broke out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to leave Manchester United, an intense meeting was held at Carrington with popular Manchester United figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill in attendance.
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With Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester discussing his desire to leave the club, it has since been reported that the Portuguese superstar has reiterated his desire to leave Manchester United by hoping to be relinquished of his contract.
In the same article it is said that Manchester United have failed to convince Ronaldo to stay but have also kept their stance on not pursuing a transfer whilst also stating that there has been no enquiries for the player.
Should Ronaldo have his wish granted, the desire to leave Manchester United remains the priority for the Portuguese international with agent Jorge Mendes shopping around his client to the top teams of Europe.
With little over a month to go in the transfer window, the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo may prompt United into shopping around for another forward with Red Bull Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko one to watch.
Erik ten Hag has been keen to keep hold of Ronaldo, saying during pre-season: "We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo this season and that's it. I look forward to working with him."
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"Cristiano is not for sale, he's in our plans and we want success together."
He later backed up this statement, stating, “I am well informed, he also has an option [of another year]. Yes [he could stay beyond next season].
"Of course, I have signed here for three years but in football, it’s short-term as well.”
Like at Manchester United so far under Erik ten Hag has got off to a mostly swimming start, with the club winning three and drawing one of their opening four fixtures of pre-season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers