A huge blow has been hit for Erik ten Hag as Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave Manchester United this summer.
That's according to Duncan Castles, who has written for The Times that the Portuguese legend wants out at Old Trafford just a year after he re-joined the club.
Ronaldo scored 18 Premier League goals last season.
Advert
But, it was in what was an awful campaign for the Reds, which left them in the Europa League places come the end of the season.
This has heavily impacted Ronaldo's decision to leave the club, as he has a desire to play in the Champions League next season.
As top goalscorer in the competition, it was always going to be difficult to see Ronaldo line up for United in Europa League next term.
Advert
The striker has asked the club to accept any satisfactory offers from clubs elsewhere.
Previous reports from Jason Burt have stated that the club would not stand in his way if he wants to leave the club.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, had met with bosses at Bayern Munich and Chelsea last month to talk about possible moves for the player.
The aforementioned report from Castles adds to this, saying that the Bundesliga champions are understood to have placed interest on hold until Robert Lewandowksi's departure is agreed.
Advert
It also says that the 37-year-old still believes that he has "three or four years" left at the highest level of the game.
He wants to spend them at a club where he's able to add to his club and individual achievements.
The forward no longer views his future at the Manchester club.
Additionally, Ronaldo's close friends have said that his affection and respect for the club that he grew into a superstar with under Sir Alex Ferguson remains as strong as ever.
It is also said that personal reasons are another factor behind his decision after a difficult period for his family.
Advert
Erik ten Hag has previously expressed his excitement at managing the Portuguese.
"I look forward to working with Ronaldo. Ronaldo is a giant, because of everything he has shown so far and because of how ambitious he is.
"I want to keep him at Manchester United, of course. He has been very important for this club and can produce great stats.”
This is a huge blow for the new manager.
Advert
He will be quickly looking for replacements at the top of the pitch in order to replace the hole that Ronaldo will leave.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Europa League, Champions League
Cain Smith