Manchester United legend C. Ronaldo asks to leave club amid concerns over trophies & transfers

Christiano Ronaldo asks to leave United

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus last summer and scored 24 goals in 38 games; however, United failed to win a trophy for the fifth successive season and missed out on qualification for the Champions League; Ronaldo is the competition's all-time top scorer

The 37-year-old feels the urge to win even more in the twilight of his career, but is understood to feel that may not be possible at Old Trafford next season. The 2021/22 campaign was the fifth in succession in which United failed to win a trophy.

Ronaldo is also understood to be concerned that United are yet to make any improvements to the squad in the current transfer window. Thirteen players have left the club this summer but none have yet arrived.

Ronaldo respects United a lot - especially the fans - and is said to be "in love" with the club, but this coming season will be the first in his career in which he will not play Champions League football if he stays at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international has never played in the Europa League - which United will be in next season - and last played in its predecessor, the UEFA Cup when he was at Sporting Lisbon in the 2002/03 season.

But while Ronaldo is keen to leave, United have taken the stance that he is not for sale and expect him to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2023.

United are close to deals for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, while they also want to sign Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

Ronaldo re-signed for United last August in a deal worth just under £20m from Juventus and scored 24 goals in 38 games, but at times he cut a frustrated figure as the team faltered under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and then Ralf Rangnick to finish sixth.

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