Ronaldo can go... on loan

a one-season loan deal to a Champions League club in Europe – with Atletico Madrid interested in the goal machine.

Ronaldo would then return to Old Trafford next summer to see out a final campaign – with United hopefully qualified for the Champions League.

Senior United officials aren’t banking on a successful first year under new Dutch boss Erik ten Hag, but there’s an expectation they should be able to compete for a top-four finish.

It’s a bargaining chip that’s said to have taken Mendes (above) and Ronaldo, who signed from Juventus in a £12.9m deal, by surprise. But so far, say Old Trafford sources, it’s a proposal that’s as yet not been rejected.

It would also satisfy headline sponsors like Team Viewer, who are disappointed Ronaldo wants to leave after just one season.

Ronaldo is still considered box office in terms of world-wide reach and United’s raft of sponsors, especially those with a Far-East presence, want to maximise their exposure in those markets.

Ronaldo bagged an astonishing 24 goals in all competitions in a season when United struggled badly.

United’s public stance is to continue to insist Ronaldo must stay and fulfil his obligations, despite a happy past history between club and player.

Privately, though, they acknowledge it would be difficult and disruptive to Ten Hag’s plans to keep an unhappy Ronaldo. The former Ajax manager is working hard to create a better harmony within the dressing room after divisions and disputes last season.

Ten Hag arrives back in Manchester with his squad today after their tour.