Ron can leave... but then return!
granted time off for personal family reasons.
But in recent talks with the striker’s agent Jorge Mendes, it is understood United asked Ronaldo to consider taking up the oneyear option available to both sides and part of his agreement when he joined from Juventus a year ago in a £12.9million deal.
United would then sanction a one-season loan deal to a Champions League club in Europe – with Atletico Madrid interested.
Ronaldo would then return to Old Trafford next summer to see out a final campaign – with United hopeful they may be in a position to challenge for a Champions League place this season.
Senior United officials aren not banking on a successful first year under new Dutch boss Erik ten Hag, but there is an expectation they should be able to compete for a topfour finish. That would offer Ronaldo the chance to extend his Champions League love affair with one more season in Europe’s elite competition before a final hurrah, possibly in the MLS in America.
It is a bargaining chip said to have taken Mendes and Ronaldo by surprise. And so far, say Old Trafford sources, it is a proposal yet to be rejected.
It would also satisfy sponsors such as Team Viewer disappointed Ronaldo wants to leave after one season.
Ronaldo is still considered box office in terms of worldwide reach and United’s raft of sponsors, especially those with a Far East presence, want to maximise their exposure in those markets.
It is believed United have had no concrete offers for Ronaldo, who has a market value of £27m based on calculations used within the football industry.