Cristiano Ronaldo is set to remain at Manchester United beyond deadline day after receiving just one transfer offer this summer.
The Portugal international, 37, wanted to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of Champions League football. United will compete in the Europa League this season after finishing sixth in the Premier League last term, recording their lowest points total (58) in 32 years.
Yet Ronaldo has failed to get his wish. United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed the forward isn't going anywhere and faces a battle to break into the starting XI. Ronaldo started Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win against Southampton from the bench.
According to The Athletic, only one formal approach was made for Ronaldo this summer. This came from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal, yet it was rejected as the player does not want to leave European football. It's believed Al Hilal remain interested.
As reported in July, an unnamed Saudi Arabian club offered to pay Ronaldo £211million over two years - which is just over £2m per week. It was claimed that club were also willing to pay Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, £17m in commission. A move never materialised.
Ronaldo is now expected to stay at Old Trafford and accept a season in the Europa League. It's claimed staff at United's Carrington training ground have 'detected a positive change in his attitude' after the reality of staying in Manchester was accepted by the player.
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The Portuguese is one of the greatest footballers of all time, winning seven league titles across three different countries and five Champions Leagues. He is also a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and just two goals away from scoring his 700th at club level.
Ronaldo rejoined United from Juventus 12 months ago and scored 24 goals in all competitions last term. Despite his prolific form, the Red Devils struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his interim successor Ralf Rangnick - with some placing the blame on Ronaldo.
Rangnick was replaced by Ten Hag at the beginning of the summer and some have speculated whether Ronaldo will remain a key player. Critics have suggested Ronaldo no longer has the dynamism required to excel in the Dutchman's intense systems.
"That's clear, of course," said Ten Hag when asked if Ronaldo is staying at United on Wednesday. "I just said we need quality players, and you need more to cover all the games, to keep the consistency going - that is what we strive for."
With Ronaldo's future all but confirmed, the veteran will be hoping for a recall to the starting XI for United's game against Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Thursday evening. The Red Devils have won their last two games, against Liverpool and Southampton.
Those victories came following a shocking start to the season. United lost their opening fixtures against Brighton and Brentford, with the latter team recording a 4-0 win over Ten Hag's side. Ronaldo is yet to score from his four appearances this term.
