Reds can end Ron rumours very easily!
NEW SIGNING WOULD SEND A MESSAGE TO PORTUGAL STAR
IT always felt unlikely this summer would pass without some speculation around Cristiano Ronaldo and, as United prepare to open the gates of Carrington once again today, the future of their star man is being debated.
With around 15 members of Erik ten Hag’s squad returning for pre-season, the last thing the new manager needed was a distraction centring on one of the most talked-about players in the game, who won’t even be there this morning.
United have failed to strengthen the new manager’s ranks before the first day of pre-season and the last thing they need is the only striker left on their books announcing he wants to go.
It’s unlikely to come to that, but reports linking Ronaldo with Chelsea and Bayern Munich, two clubs in the Champions League likely to have vacancies at centre forward this summer, will be concerning at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old can hear the clock ticking on his career ever louder and, while he has a year remaining on his United contract, he will have to accept a season without Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.
That might be easier to stomach if he can see that a club close to his heart are making progress, but right now that might not be the case.
He couldn’t be blamed for wondering if it might be worth pursuing a move to a Champions League club. He certainly won’t be in Ballon d’Or contention while playing in the Europa League – and who knows when United will be back in Europe’s top competition.
But Ronaldo has a real affection for United and in an interview with the club website recently he praised the appointment of Ten Hag and said he planned to remain at Old Trafford.
“I was and still am very happy to be here,” he said. “I know (Ten Hag) did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he’s an experienced coach, but we need to give him time and things need to change the way he wants. I hope we have success. I wish him the best. We are happy and excited.
“Let’s believe that next year we are going to win trophies. I believe that Manchester (United) will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time, but I still believe.”
To achieve that Ronaldo knows United need new signings, as does Ten Hag, but so far none have arrived and that will be a worry.
It might be no coincidence that Ronaldo’s future is the source of debate at a time when the pressure is growing at Old Trafford to accelerate summer transfer plans.
In reality, a return to the top of the Premier League and the latter stages of the Champions League is going to take time, probably too much time for the Portugal international. But he can play his part in the rebuild under Ten Hag, although he will want to see some intent from the club.
United remain patient in the transfer window, but they could soon give Ronaldo the statement he wants in terms of signings.
A new bid is expected for Frenkie de Jong and it would be no surprise
if a deal was concluded this week. Ten Hag is desperate to land the 25-year-old, but the Reds have kept their cards close to their chest, refusing to overpay for a player that Barcelona have made clear can leave the Nou Camp.
The financial situation at the Spanish club is desperate and they need to raise funds.
The end of June has always loomed as a significant date in these talks and that could lead to progress in a deal before Thursday. La Liga clubs close their accounts on June 30 and how those figures look will have a major impact on their salary controls for next season, which at the moment are giving Barcelona very little wriggle room.
They are attempting to raise funds by selling stakes in their licensing and merchandising arm and in Barca Studios, but transfer funds and a reduction in the wage bill will also have to play a part.
Joan Laporta has mentioned the June 30 deadline and his plan to have the club’s finances under control by then and if they want to progress with their own ambitious transfer plans this summer, they need the cash. Talks have been slow but the two clubs are getting closer to a deal and this week could be decisive.
If United can pull that signing off then De Jong would be secured in time for the start of his pre-season. Like Ronaldo, he was in international action in June and won’t report back until July 4 at the earliest.
If Ten Hag’s top target is in Manchester for then, that must be considered a success. It would also show Ronaldo United have the ambition to keep him happy.