Man Utd will consider terminating the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo unless he makes a major change, as his dream return to Old Trafford descends into further chaos, according to Sky Sports News.
The Portuguese icon, 37, returned to Manchester United last summer and was duly greeted with a hero’s welcome. Ronaldo did what he does best, notching 24 goals in his first season back in England since 2009.
However, doubts lingered as to Ronaldo’s suitability at a club whose players have drawn criticism for not giving maximum effort.
Indeed, a side like United can ill afford passengers on the defensive side of the game and given his advanced years, Ronaldo does not contribute when out of possession.
United struggled mightily under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. Erik ten Hag was drafted in to lead the rebuild, though successive defeats to Brighton and Brentford suggest little has changed despite a promising pre-season.
One lingering issue the club are yet to resolve is the future of Ronaldo.
The striker wants to pursue his Champions League ambitions elsewhere, though concrete interest is not emerging. Recent reports detailed two more failed attempts to engineer a move away by agent Jorge Mendes.
Ronaldo has consistently cut a frustrated figure since his return to United and questions have been asked about his professionalism.
He was videoed knocking a mobile phone out of a 14-year-old’s hand in April. He has regularly walked straight down the tunnel instead of applauding the United fans after defeats, and was among a cluster of stars to leave the club’s pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano before the final whistle.
Man Utd want Ronaldo attitude adjustment
Now, a stunning claim from Sky Sports News has revealed United may consider terminating the player’s contract if his poor attitude does not change.
Presenter Claire Tomlinson said: “Sky Sports News understands Man Utd want to see a change in Ronaldo’s attitude or they may have to consider terminating his contract.
“Ronaldo has cut a frustrated figure on the pitch and it’s known he would like to leave Old Trafford to play Champions League football.
“Ronaldo has a year left on his deal with the option for a further 12 months, but it’s believed his situation is now heading towards a conclusion.”
Sky’s initial tweet that contained a video clip of Tomlinson explaining the situation was later deleted.
Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst, subsequently tweeted Man Utd insist the claim Ronaldo’s contract could be torn up is false.
