Ronaldo ‘holds showdown talks’ with Jorge Mendes over quitting Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly held showdown talks with his agent Jorge Mendes over leaving Manchester United.
The Portuguese’s return to Old Trafford hasn’t gone to plan, with the team sitting fifth in the Premier League – one point behind Arsenal in fourth having played three games more.
United also failed to challenge in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup. They must win the Champions League to end a five-year wait for silverware, yet that seems unlikely.
Ronaldo’s own form hasn’t been great, scoring just once in the Premier League since the turn of the calendar year – his worst run of form for over a decade.
He’s scored 15 goals in 30 games for United this term and will need to have a sensational end to the season if he’s to get anywhere near his tally of 36 for Juventus last term.
Ronaldo missed United’s 4-1 defeat to rivals Manchester City at the weekend and didn’t train on Wednesday morning due to a hip flexor problem.
And, according to The Sun, he may not play many more games for the Red Devils.
Ronaldo is said to have been discussing his future with Mendes, who has tried to “calm the player” down after a row with interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Rumours suggest Rangnick told the veteran, who turned 37 last month, he would be deployed as a “super-sub” at the Etihad for tactical reasons.
That reportedly encouraged Ronaldo to complain about his ongoing hip injury, which caused him to miss two games – both against Aston Villa – in January.
It’s thought there is an “uneasy tension” around United’s Carrington training ground due to Ronaldo’s mood. Ronaldo is believed to have “allies” in the camp.
