He’s one of the greatest players of all time but nobody appears interested in Cristiano Ronaldo — ESPN’s Insider Notebook has the latest. PLUS: Could Lionel Messi make a sensational return to Barcelona?
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Unwanted Ronaldo in limbo
Manchester United are confident Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at the club in January mainly because of a lack of interest in him, sources told ESPN.
United are prepared for Ronaldo to mount another push to leave Old Trafford if he cannot win a regular place in Erik ten Hag’s team. United are aware that he could look to move in January in a bid to find regular first-team football.
UEFA rules would allow Ronaldo to sign for a team in the Champions League in January and play in the knockout rounds in the new year despite having made three appearances for United in the Europa League this season.
Despite Ronaldo’s well-known desire to move in the summer, United only received one firm offer from a club in Saudi Arabia, a bid that was dismissed by both Ronaldo’s camp and United. But sources close to the club insist it remains unclear how much of a market there would be for the 37-year-old in January.
– Ten Hag cut Ronaldo from team out of respect
Speculation in the summer linked Ronaldo with Champions League sides including Chelsea, Napoli and Bayern Munich, but United never received a proposal from any club in Europe.
Sources told ESPN there’s an acceptance Chelsea’s stance may have changed after Graham Potter replaced Thomas Tuchel as manager, although they eased their problems up front with a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang late in the window.
Ronaldo has endured a difficult start to the season, scoring one goal — a penalty in the Europa League against Sheriff — and United boss Ten Hag recently revealed how the No. 7 is “pissed off” with his lack of game time.
Sources have told ESPN that Ten Hag is understanding of Ronaldo’s situation but would be reluctant to let him leave in January. The Dutchman has already been told it is highly unlikely there will be money to spend until next summer, reducing the possibility that a replacement could be found for the Portugal forward. — Rob Dawson
