Cristiano Ronaldo linked with January Manchester United exit amid struggle for minutes under Erik ten Hag

Manchester United forward, Cristiano Ronaldo has once more been linked with a move away from the club in the approaching January transfer window after failing to secure a departure this summer, as the Portuguese striker fails to land a concrete slot in Erik ten Hag’s United starting XI.

Ronaldo, who began his second career spell at United in an end-of-window move from Italian giants Juventus last summer, enjoyed an impressive individual campaign for the Reds last season, netting 24 goals in all competitions as the focal point of both Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ralf Rangnick’s sides. 

However, with the appointment of Dutch mastermind and tactician, ten Hag, the five-time FIFA Ballon D’or winner reportedly attempted to orchestrate a move away from Old Trafford earlier this summer, with minutes within a high-pressing, fluid system seemingly far from guaranteed.

Failing to attend United’s pre-season tour ahead of this year’s campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo was consistently linked to potential moves to the likes of Atletico Madrid, London rivals, Chelsea, as well as a return to Sporting Lisbon, and a move back to Italy with Napoli. 

A potential, and granted, realistic landing for the former Real Madrid forward and serial Champions League winner comes in the form of former side, Sporting Libson, with the capital side available as short as 6/1 to capture Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window, with betting available on the Portugal forward’s next move at best $15 deposit casinos in Australia. 

As for ten Hag, the former Ajax leader has continually insisted that a player of Ronaldo’s quality and expertise within the area will prove pivotal for his side this season, however, the Dutchman has elected to field front three’s consisting of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga, Jadon Sancho, and on occasion, Anthony Martial this season so far, in place of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese veteran is widely expected to retain his place in his country’s World Cup side this winter in Qatar, however, with the recent acquisition of Brazilian forward, Antony, the future for Ronaldo in more than just a bit-part role for United this campaign has been cast into further doubt.

Netting for the first time this season last week in Moldova, Ronaldo scored from the spot against Sherrif in an eventual 2-0 win for United, after the above-mentioned, Sancho turned home from inside the area in the first half. 

Cristiano Ronaldo retains just a single year on his United contract

Cristiano Ronaldo currently retains a year on his current United contract, while the club have the option to extend that deal by another year, however, the 37-year-old’s quest to extend his lead atop the UEFA Champions league top goalscorer charts has been discussed as the catalyst for his attempt to leave the club. 

Despite last season’s fairytale return to United for Cristiano Ronaldo – when it appeared an impossible move to neighboring rivals, Manchester City seemed on the cards, a wholly different approach and an energetic style of pressing and fluid movement across a 4-3-3 for the Reds as part of a much-needed rebuild, appears to leave one of the sport’s greatest ever out in the cold as his expected final World Cup campaign approaches.