Cristiano Ronaldo's emotional Manchester United reunion has gone sour after he lodged a sudden transfer request.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus star only returned to Old Trafford less than a year ago and was expected to get the Red Devils challenging for major honours once more. It is fair to say that it has not panned out that way with the club having slumped to a sixth-placed finish under Ralf Rangnick.
With the German gone and having been replaced by Erik ten Hag, there was hope that the duo could strike up a great understanding during the Dutchman's first campaign at the helm. That now seems unlikely to happen with Ronaldo having expressed a desire to leave.
In all of the drama of the shock announcement, Mirror Sport brings you up to date with all of the developments on the 37-year-old's future.
Ronaldo drops transfer bombshell
With speculation having been bubbling on Ronaldo's future for some time, it appears that the Portuguese has finally expressed his desire to leave sooner rather than later. The forward has requested to leave Old Trafford after just a season.
There is hope from the player's camp that the Red Devils will not stand in his way should a satisfactory offer be lodged for his services between now and deadline day.
It is not the first time though that he has expressed his desire to leave. Ronaldo actually first explored the idea of departing the club as early as the January transfer window but was talked out of creating a scene.
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Reasons for exit emerge
Of course, with Ronaldo having only returned to Old Trafford last summer, it is a surprise to note that he wants out already. However, he has his reasons for wanting to leave.
The Portuguese forward has already expressed his displeasure at the club's efforts - or lack thereof - in the current transfer window. A number of new faces are required at the club and whilst a number of names have been linked with a move including Frenkie de Jong and Tyrell Malacia, the club are yet to get a deal over the line.
In the meantime, Ronaldo has also been left "shocked and disappointed" with the Red Devils' performances throughout the 2021/22 campaign with the side having slumped to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, seeing them fall into the Europa League. United also fell at the round of 16 stage in the Champions League.
Ronaldo is understood to want to still play top level European football - and indeed challenge for honours - something that looks unlikely at Old Trafford.
Man Utd issue forthright response
Despite the mercurial forward having signalled his desire to leave the club, it appears that the Red Devils are not keen to let him leave. After reports emerged of his agent Jorge Mendes holding a meeting with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, the club were left furious and insisted that the Portuguese was not for sale.
Amid the latest developments over his future, the club have reiterated that stance by insisting that he remains under contract and that he is expected to return to the club’s Carrington Training Base for pre-season training.
They are feelings also echoed by his teammates. Club and international teammate Bruno Fernandes has already stated that he is anticipating seeing Ronaldo once more on Monday having had private conversations with the forward during the off-season.
Erik ten Hag plans potential replacement
Whilst the Red Devils will of course be keen on seeing Ronaldo remain with the club for the foreseeable future - or for at least the next 12 months - new boss Erik ten Hag is already making plans for a potential successor.
Ever since the Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have been linked with a move for Brazilian playmaker Antony - the winger having impressed ten Hag during his time with Ajax. It initially appeared as though the club had been priced out of a move for him with the Dutch giants aiming to earn at least £70m from his sale.
Amid doubt over Ronaldo's future, Ten Hag has made an emergency request to the club’s board to push ahead with a swoop for Antony. A renewed move would see them stump up another huge fee having already committed more than £120million to sign de Jong, Malacia and Lisandro Martinez.
What happens next?
There are of course already a number of clubs having expressed their interest in signing Ronaldo should he be allowed to leave Old Trafford this summer. Chelsea are among United’s Premier League rivals who could make a move with Mendes having held a meeting with Chelsea chief Boehly.
Manchester City were also linked with a move last summer before the Portuguese returned to Old Trafford but having signed Erling Haaland, a fresh swoop from Pep Guardiola appears highly unlikely.
Take a look at the other contenders who could potentially sign Ronaldo right here.
