Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag won't get in the way of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving in January, a fresh report from the UK has revealed. The 37-year-old superstar has somewhat become surplus to requirement at the club and is believed to be considering his future at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo finished last season as Manchester United's top goalscorer in all competitions and was part of the group inherited by new manager Erik ten Hag. Despite his desire to leave before the transfer window closed this summer, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star was denied the opportunity by the Red Devils' hierarchy. The player was convinced to sacrifice Champions League football and stay at the club with the guarantee that he will be important to the plans of the new boss.
Nevertheless, that has been far from the case for the Portuguese international this season. In the Premier League, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has not been handed a start since Manchester United's 4-0 capitulation at Brentford on August 13. With multiple spells on the bench under his belt, Ronaldo has seemingly grown frustrated and may be considering his future in the coming months.
According to the Mirror in UK, the Portuguese international is keen on making a mark at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year in order to peak the interest of potential suitors ahead of a prospective move in January. Should a suitable bid arrive, the player expects United to accept in order to facilitate his departure.
Against Manchester City in Sunday's derby, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure as his side ended the afternoon on the wrong side of a 6-3 scoreline. Following the conclusion of the game, Erik ten Hag risked the anger of fans by stating that he decided not to introduce Ronaldo into the game "out of respect" for his "big career" after his side went four goals down before half-time.
