Premier League great Mark Schwarzer is of the firm belief that Cristiano Ronaldo should part ways with Manchester United as speculation grows regarding the unhappy star’s future.
Ronaldo returned back to the club last summer amid much fanfare but has been left disgruntled at the club not winning anything and not even qualifying for the Champions League.
The Portuguese star missed his club’s tour to Thailand and Australia last month and is reported to be manoeuvring a move away from Old Trafford.
Ronaldo did play in their last pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, but he was substituted at half-time, before leaving Old Trafford with 10 minutes left to play in the match.
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It has been reported that Ronaldo will be benched for United’s opener against Brighton and Hove Albion, with the manager claiming he's not yet fully fit.
Schwarzer accepted that the club and Ten Hag did well to manage the recent drama and must let go of the player.
“It’s time for him to move on. I still think he could add something to Manchester United but I don’t see him as a week-in week-out starter and that’s obviously what he demanded last season,” Schwarzer said on the Gegen Pod.
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“He was their leading goal scorer, he was the player that got them out of more trouble than anyone else. I kind of understand it. But now you’re talking about building a side.
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“For Cristiano Ronaldo, we all know he’s running out of time. He wants to win trophies, he wants to win things, he wants to win another Ballon d’Or for sure, (but I) don’t think that’s going to happen.
“I reckon it’d be amazing if he went to Atletico Madrid… there’s massive resistance from fans and some people from within the club.”
It has been reported that European clubs like Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo.
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The Portuguese legend is also linked with a return back to his childhood club Sporting Lisbon, who have qualified for the Champions League this season.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has hinted that Ronaldo needs to get fit before featuring for United in the Premier League this season and the game against Rayo Vallecano was aimed towards improving his fitness.
The United manager was asked if Ronaldo fits into his vision at United and he said, “I think he can. But to start with he has to get fit, he’s just started.”
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“He’s a fantastic football player, he proved it so many times, but you can always be judged on what you are now, what you are presenting now, performing now.”
United begin their Premier League season with a clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Football