Ralf Rangnick was prepared to sell and replace Cristiano Ronaldo in January after the former Manchester United Interim boss held talks with the club's hierarchy.
According to The Athletic, Rangnick proposed to football director John Murtough and chief executive officer Richard Arnold that Ronaldo should be sold and replaced during the transfer window. The now-Austria manager felt the 37-year-old's time at United was uncertain beyond the end of the season, and it made sense to act sooner rather than later, so the club were well set for the future.
However, the Red Devils decided to keep the Portugal international for the remainder of the season as he finished on 24 goals in all competitions including 18 in the Premier League - the third top scorer in the division behind Mohamed Salah and Heung min-Son. Now, it has been revealed that Ronaldo wants to leave United as he is unhappy that he will be playing in the Europa League next season.
Despite the rumours circulating surrounding Ronaldo's future, United remain firm in their stance and want to keep the player until at the least the end of his contract next summer. Erik ten Hag sees him in his immediate plans for the upcoming campaign amid interest from Napoli, Chelsea and Bayern Munich amongst others.
Ronaldo was due to turn up for pre-season training with his international colleagues on Monday but the club have confirmed he will not be in attendance because of 'family reasons'. This has further fired up suggestions Ronaldo will depart the Red Devils but he could find it tough to find a new club.
Where will Cristiano Ronaldo be playing his club football next season? Let us know in the comments below!
As per The Telegraph, Ronaldo was paid £480,000-a-week last season, which will consequently price out most European sides. The striker is expected to be paid less by United next season, if he remains at the club, as he will not be playing in the Champions League, and thus is unable to meet several of the clauses in his contract.
Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has held talks recently with Bayern Munich and Chelsea, though it remains to be seen whether either side will table a bid for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. There are certainly a few other clubs who will also be keeping tabs on the striker's situation at the Theatre of Dreams in hope that United change their mind on his situation.
But Rangnick believed Ronaldo did not represent United's long-term success and that recruiting a player more suited to his high-pressing style might produce immediate dividends for the second half of last campaign. Arnold and Murtagh ignored those messages and thought it would be best for Ronaldo to stay at the club.
