For Cristiano Ronaldo, this isn’t how the summer was supposed to go. Once he had decided, albeit belatedly, that he wanted to leave Manchester United, the Portuguese megastar and his agent Jorge Mendes were doubtless expecting to be inundated with offers from clubs across the world, all gleefully-willing to entertain the 37-year-old’s whims for a year or two.
Instead, Ronaldo has endured eight weeks that ought to humble even his ego. Mendes has spent the last couple of months trying to drum up interest in his fattest cash cow but, depending on which report you believe, the only viable offer was received not from the Champions League but Saudi Pro League.
As the time has passed, it became increasingly apparent that a parting would suit United too. Ronaldo’s continued absence through pre-season and their first tour under Erik ten Hag became a distraction and his eventual return an unnecessary sideshow. Now, though, both United and Ronaldo find themselves stuck in a marriage of inconvenience. And both parties have little choice but to make the best of it.
From United’s perspective, there is no money lift in the kitty. That’s what The Telegraph claims after the Red Devils were forced to empty their pot to sign Antony from Ajax. If no money is available to further strengthen United’s squad, it still leaves Ten Hag three players short at the end of his first fraught window in charge.
Even if there were a few pennies left, it is claimed a right-back and a midfielder are a greater priority for United. The club don’t appear willing to splurge on a right-back, with Diogo Dalot doing a passable job through the opening weeks of the season, even if no one is yet entirely convinced of his defensive reliability. Sergino Dest has been reported to be an option, though that comes down to convenience too. If United and Barca can swap Dest and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, then everyone is happy. Until one or both clubs realise why the other was so keen to swap.
News: Man Utd players rejoiced when they heard ‘pain in the ar*e’ Ronaldo wanted to leave
Despite the arrival of Casemiro, Ten Hag still needs another midfielder if United are to be taken seriously. Given their previous steadfast commitment to not buying midfielders, however, United fans might just be grateful to see one come through the door. The Red Devils midfield appears a project destined never to be completed.
In attack too, Ten Hag is short. Antony’s arrival offers the manager a tantalising…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…