‘The timing was SHOCKING’: Manchester United were ‘caught off guard’ by Cristiano Ronaldo telling the club he wanted to leave – and Erik ten Hag addressed the wantaway star’s future in first team talk with his new squad
- Cristiano Ronaldo stunned United by informing them he wanted to leave
- United were unhappy with the timing as they may need to sign a replacement
- Erik ten Hag immediately addressed the issue in his first United team talk
- Ronaldo has not flown on the pre-season tour after being given time off
Manchester United were reportedly upset with the ‘shocking’ timing of Cristiano Ronaldo telling the club that he wanted to leave and were caught off guard by the Portugal star’s decision.
Ronaldo has informed United that he wishes to depart Old Trafford for a second time should they receive a suitable offer for him in the summer transfer window.
The 37-year-old’s desire to leave stunned the club and dealt a blow to manager Erik ten Hag, who had Ronaldo as a focal point in his plans ahead of the new season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has told United he wishes to leave if they receive a suitable offer for him
According to The Athletic, citing a source close to United, the club felt the timing was ‘shocking’ as it has left the Red Devils scrambling to find a possible replacement for their top-scorer last season.
Calls have been made to sound out potential suitors should Ronaldo be sold but United have already seen two targets, Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland, join Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.
Ten Hag, who was not informed by Ronaldo of his decision directly, immediately addressed the issue as he discussed it during his first team talk to the full United squad on Monday, The Athletic reported.
Ronaldo has been pictured in the new United home shirt, which was released on Friday
The 37-year-old Portuguese star has not travelled with the United squad for their pre-season tour
Ronaldo was due to report back for pre-season training on Monday but has been given compassionate leave by United for a family-related issue.
He has so far missed four days of training and has not flown with the team on their pre-season tour. The club still don’t know if Ronaldo will be able to join the four-game, 16-day trip at a later date.