Man Utd ‘will be in the news’ due to 346-game star in January

Manchester United ‘are going to be in the news’ during the January transfer window due to ongoing uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The 37-year-old rejoined the Red Devils for a second spell last year, but there have been continued doubts over whether he will still be on the club’s books in a matter of months’ time.

What’s the latest news involving Ronaldo?

Although Ronaldo was handed the captain’s armband for Manchester United’s trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, he was unable to stop his side falling to a 3-1 defeat.

The frontman skippered the Red Devils just a matter of weeks after he refused to come off the bench and left Old Trafford before the final whistle as Manchester United registered a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Ronaldo was punished for his actions and dropped from the matchday squad when Erik ten Hag’s charges took on Chelsea days later.

Following the public fall-out, it emerged that an exit strategy is being considered and, if a suitor cannot be found by super-agent Jorge Mendes, Manchester United may be willing to cut their losses and let him go on a free at the turn of the year.

Ronaldo also told his current employers that he wanted to leave during the summer transfer window due to his intention to compete in the Champions League, but he failed to secure a move before the September 1 deadline.

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What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Ronaldo?

Sheth understands that Manchester United are not looking to be particularly active when the transfer window reopens in January.

However, the Sky Sports reporter believes it will be difficult for the Red Devils to maintain a low profile while Ronaldo is keen to seal his exit.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “Whenever you talk about Ronaldo, it’s going to create headlines.

“Regardless of whether United are going to have a quiet window or want a quiet window, while the Ronaldo story is still live, I think United are going to be in the news with it.”

Who could Ronaldo join in January?

It is understood that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is an admirer of Ronaldo, having held discussions with Mendes during the early stages of the summer transfer window and, again, days before the deadline, so a move to Stamford Bridge should not be ruled out at this stage.

The Portuguese star’s agent also attempted to manufacture a switch to Serie A side Napoli and could return to Italy with another proposal in the coming months.

In any event, it would make sense for Manchester United to look to offload Ronaldo, who has made 346 appearances over the course of his two spells at Old Trafford, during the winter window.

That is because his £480,000-per-week contract is due to expire next summer, so January is the Red Devils’ final opportunity to cash-in.

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