Cristiano Ronaldo has turned down two moves away from Old Trafford this summer as he wishes to stay in Europe despite wanting to leave Manchester United ahead of the new season.
Ronaldo has yet to rejoin his teammates for pre-season, despite being due back 10 days ago, and was omitted from United’s travelling squad to Bangkok and Australia.
Erik ten Hag was quick to deny that a departure was in the works, stressing that his key asset is not for sale this summer.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, he is in our plans”, he told the media. “He’s not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season, that’s it”.
The Dutchman then added that he is “looking forward to work with him”, allaying potential fears that the 37-year-old may not be in Manchester come transfer deadline day.
News broke yesterday that Chelsea had decided not to pursue a move for Manchester United’s top scorer from last season, with Thomas Tuchel favouring different transfer targets.
Now, however, it seems as though Ronaldo himself has also turned down a pair of proposals. The star has opted against joining a club in the MLS, while he has also turned down a proposal that would have seen him paid 250m euros across two seasons in Saudi Arabia.
Thomas Tuchel wants different kind of players and project, this is why he decided against Cristiano Ronaldo deal. ? #CFC
Cristiano has turned down a formal, lucrative proposal from Saudi and an approach from MLS club.
Ten Hag, waiting for him.
? More: https://t.co/g3ozfqeWX3 pic.twitter.com/9yZpgdA5Wq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2022
Ronaldo to stay?
Turning down two bids from outside of Europe seems to suggest that Ronaldo is keen to remain in the Champions League or challenging for titles in Europe, but as 101 covered yesterday, doors are closing to him.
With few options left for the star forward, choosing to remain in Manchester and compete in the Europa League for the upcoming season could well be his best choice come the end of the transfer window.
