Manchester United chiefs were shocked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer request last week. Ronaldo has informed United that he wishes to depart Old Trafford for a second time should they receive a suitable offer for him in the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese great failed to join United for preseason this week and has skipped the first leg of their preseason tour in Thailand.
The Athletic, citing a source close to United, reports the club felt the timing was “shocking” as it has left the Red Devils scrambling to find a possible replacement for their top-scorer last season.
Calls have been made to sound out potential suitors should Ronaldo be sold but United have already seen two targets, Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland, join Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.
Erik ten Hag, who was not informed by Ronaldo of his decision directly, immediately addressed the issue as he discussed it during his first team talk to the full United squad on Monday.
