On the pitch, Manchester United are slowly showing signs of regaining their hubris and the players are finally adjusting to Erik ten Hag’s methods.
Since the defeat in the Manchester Derby, United have kept their run of six games without losing alive thanks to a last-gasp draw against Chelsea.
The Reds are showing encouraging signs and are currently just one point behind fourth-placed Newcastle United and also have a game to play.
CR7 could come out in January
While Ten Hag has managed to get most of his players to play the way he wants, off-field problems continue to plague him and the club. The biggest of those problems is the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ever since he left Old Trafford when he was asked to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur, the media began to link him to a January exit.
First, it was Chelsea who seemed ready to offer the Portuguese a move from United with co-owner Todd Boehly, a huge fan of Ronaldo.
The most recent report in The Sun now links him with a move to Serie A giants Napoli.
“SunSport understands that Napoli remain interested in the legendary striker, who is heading for a departure from Old Trafford following his behavior against Spurs last week,” the report read.
???? Cristiano Ronaldo is open to returning to Italy with Napoli after being snubbed by a number of Premier League clubs.
(Source: BRAND) pic.twitter.com/9jQOYzIWi9
– Live News Transfer (@DeadlineDayLive) October 25, 2022
Interestingly, the article also mentions that Ronaldo’s entourage has already started canvassing Premier League teams regarding their client’s availability.
“Sources close to the Portuguese star say his advisers have sounded out Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal.”
Interestingly, sources the publication spoke to said English clubs feel the move has its risks and that could deter them from making a move.
“Chelsea became interested in Ronaldo during the summer, but he is no longer on their radar.
“Arsenal and Newcastle realize the quality he would bring in helping them achieve their ambitions. But both clubs are concerned about the wider impact his arrival could have on clubs.”
Napoli were one of the teams looking at a potential deal in the summer and they remain keen as they look to cement their place at the top of the Serie A table and are also keen to make further progress in the Champions League.
Napoli the main suitors today
“The most likely destination now is Italy. Napoli became interested in Ronaldo during the summer and is still interested.
“Adding him to their squad is a step that they believe will help in their goal of staying at the top of Serie A and advancing in the Champions League,” sources told The Sun.
Interestingly, the salary factor is the main obstacle for the agreement to be resolved. Ronaldo’s starting salary at United was close to £480,000 a week.
It was cut by 25 per cent after the Red Devils failed to make the cut for the Champions League and the Portugal captain is currently pocketing close to £360k.
By comparison, Napoli’s current top earner is Polish international Piotr Zielinski, who pockets a paltry £90,000 every week.
It has been widely reported that Ronaldo is willing to take a pay cut to leave United and join a Champions League team. But it remains to be seen if he will accept such a drastic cut.
For United’s sake, they hope to come to some kind of compromise sooner rather than later. If he stays, United can certainly benefit from the record goalscorer.
But if Ten Hag believes he is better off without the 37-year-old, the club should back his manager.
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