Ten Hag Open To Player’s Exit But Manchester United Don’t Want Him Leave

Manchester United continue to wait for the resolution of Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, with less than 72 hours remaining in the transfer window before it closes.

The 37-year-old wants to depart Old Trafford in search of Champions League football. However, his agent, Jorge Mendes, has failed to convince Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid to make a move for the greatest player in the history of Europe’s elite competition.

Napoli appear to be the only club still pushing to get Ronaldo’s signature, having held discussions with the player’s representative.

Luciano Spalletti’s side are eyeing a permanent deal for the former Juventus man, but would also settle for a loan deal ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag has been open to letting Ronaldo leave for weeks. The Dutch coach didn’t start his superstar forward in United’s last two Premier League wins.

Nevertheless, the club’s co-chairman Joel Glazer has resisted any possible sale of the Portuguese icon.

The Portugal international’s dull performances off the bench has only vindicated Ten Hag’s decision to prefer a fluid frontline of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho.

If the outings against Liverpool and Southampton are anything to go by, the Red Devils would be fine without Ronaldo, and would benefit more from replacing him with a more rounded striker.