Time to say goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

As usual, Cristiano Ronaldo’s name has dominated Erik Ten Hag’s latest press conference after our derby day defeat when the 37-year-old was an unused substitute.

Ten Hag said he didn’t want to bring Ronaldo on in the second half “out of respect for his big career.”

Ronaldo’s signing last August had fans dreaming of a 21st league title and a return to the glory days.

While Ronaldo himself had an exceptional season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions and providing the fans with some iconic moments, the rest of the team’s performance levels dropped considerably — none more so than Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire — resulting in a disastrous season which was certainly one to forget.

Ronaldo deservedly picked up the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award and was primed to be the main striker going into the new season.

However Ronaldo had other ideas, his ambition to play at Champions League level and improve his unbelievable record in the competition led him to seek a move away from the United in July. He also missed the pre-season tour due to “personal reasons”.

Unfortunately for Ronaldo, the interest wasn’t really there. No clubs were willing to or capable of paying Ronaldo the sort of wages that would command , as well as the existing doubts on his ability to fit into the modern day tactical demands of high pressing and work rate off the ball.

All of the above left Ronaldo with no other choice but to continue with life at Manchester United and for the first time in his illustrious career, playing Europa League football.

Seven games into the Premier League season it is now very clear Ten Hag does not see Ronaldo as a player who can play the No 9 role in his system, preferring Rashford and Martial to occupy that position.

It’s obvious that the situation needs to be resolved in January when Ronaldo returns from the World Cup.

It’s safe to say it would be beneficial for both parties to facilitate a move for Ronaldo in January. That way Ronaldo can play more regularly and United can finally look to the future and invest in a long term forward who fits into Ten Hag’s plans for years to come.