If the uneasy Portuguese star leaves in January, Manchester United will ‘not look to sign a Cristiano Ronaldo replacement.’
Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford is in doubt after manager Erik ten Hag left him out of his squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea after the 37-year-old stormed off early in the midweek win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Ten Hag wants to know if Ronaldo can handle a limited role for the rest of the season, so talks between the player and manager will take place on Monday.
According to The Athletic, if Ronaldo receives a suitable offer and United sells him in January, they will not look to sign a replacement center forward immediately.
Despite the fact that Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are the only other realistic center-forward options for the rest of the season.
Indeed, United is likely to have a quiet January window unless an emergency forward is required due to Ronaldo’s departure and injuries.
Martial, 26, has looked rejuvenated since Ten Hag arrived in the summer, but injuries have limited him to just four appearances this season.
Nonetheless, Martial has scored three goals and contributed two assists in those four outings.
England star Rashford, 24, has therefore shouldered most of the attacking burden in Ronaldo’s position. He has scored five times and set up a further three goals in 13 outings.
Beyond that, United’s only other options are wide attackers such as Antony or Jadon Sancho who are not familiar with leading the line.
United put in a good performance at Stamford Bridge in another sign they can cope without Ronaldo, who has spent most of the season warming the bench.
Talks with Ten Hag will determine whether he is willing to continue playing mainly in the UEFA Europa League this season or wants to leave in January.
But even that isn’t guaranteed, with genuine offers for the aging star thin on the ground. Ronaldo would certainly have to accept a major salary reduction and would demand a central role at any new club.
If things are patched up with Ten Hag, Ronaldo could be involved in Thursday night’s Europa League game against Sheriff Tiraspol.
