in a recent report from the Manchester Evening News, it was mentioned that Manchester United are now considering the idea of terminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract after the Portuguese striker’s interview with Piers Morgan came to light. Ronaldo addressed a number of issues that have been troubling the Superstar which further asserted the fact that he doesn’t want to continue with the Red Devils.
Ronaldo’s Campaign With Manchester United This Season
Ronaldo has had a frustrating campaign at Old Trafford this season although he has put in a few influential displays in the Europa League competition. The Portugal captain has found the back of the net on three occasions and created two assists in 16 matches where he has started in only ten of them this season.
The five times Ballon D’or winner has only averaged 2.5 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League so far compared to 5.2 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per 90 mins in the Europa League. He has also been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 76.6% of his attempted passes in the English top flight compared to 86% in the European competition where he was a regular (stats via whoscored).
Why Does Cristiano Ronaldo Want To Exit Old Trafford?
The prolific striker has been an important player for the Red Devils since he rejoined them back in August 2021. He has come off the bench on several occasions to net the game-winner or produce an important assist, but he has fallen out of favour with Erik Ten Hag as his decisions of substituting him in important fixtures and not name him in the starting XI for several matches have created tension between the two.
The 37-year-old is certainly at the end of his career but he feels it’s too early for him to sit on the bench and provide cover for the attacking department; rather he wants to be in action and under the limelight which he’s capable of doing. He carried the club on his back on several occasions last year after a productive 2021/22 season but wants to exit for a second time after this summer as he isn’t at the forefront of Ten Hag’s plans for the Red Devils.
The interview has shed light upon several factors involving the striker’s need to exit Old Trafford as he mentioned that Man Utd have failed to evolve after Alex Ferguson left in 2013 as the club has sub-par facilities in comparison to their domestic competitors. Another reason involving his desire to leave the club may also be a reduced salary after Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season. He has the desire to compete with the best and with the UCL out of the equation, it has been upsetting for him considering the situation at the club.
