Manchester United news: Red Devils legend Paul Ince insists Cristiano Ronaldo has to leave the club amid speculation surrounding his future.
Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Man Utd this summer – just one season after he rejoined them. Reports have said Ronaldo has asked Man Utd to allow him to leave should they receive a suitable offer.
Ronaldo has started the new season in an underwhelming fashion and has often cut a frustrated figure at Man Utd. He has not scored any goals this season despite featuring in three games for Man Utd.
Manager Erik ten Hag has also dropped Ronaldo from the Man Utd starting XI in two of the three games they have played. Ten Hag benched Ronaldo against both Brighton and Liverpool. While he came on in the 53rd minute against Brighton, Ten Hag waited until the 86th minute to introduce Ronaldo against Liverpool.
Manchester United news: Paul Ince criticizes Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo also reportedly refused to acknowledge the visiting Man Utd fans after their 4-0 defeat to Brentford away from home. He also appeared to storm down the tunnel after the humiliating result.
Former Man Utd midfielder Ince has now criticized Ronaldo’s actions. Ince believes the Portuguese ‘has been a distraction for everyone at Man United. The 54-year-old also insisted Ronaldo has to leave Man Utd this summer.
Ince also compared Ronaldo to Messi, who he said would never act the way the Portuguese striker has at times.
“United dressing room when I was playing with the likes of Roy Keane and Steve Bruce, we wouldn’t be putting up with him and he wouldn’t be getting away with anything,” Ince told BoyleSports Premier League, as quoted by Goal.
“Leaving Ronaldo out of the starting 11 (against Liverpool) was so important because it shows people that there can be life without Ronaldo. He’s been a distraction for everyone at Man United. You wouldn’t see Lionel Messi acting the way he has at times.”
With just two weeks left before the transfer window closes, speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future at the club is still rife. It remains to be seen if he can find a suitor before the transfer window slams shut.
Despite reports that Ronaldo wants out, Man Utd have insisted the 37-year-old is not for sale. Ronaldo’s current contract with Man Utd runs until 2023. But the Red Devils have an option to extend it by another 12 months.
Meanwhile, Man Utd face Southampton in an away fixture in their next game in the Premier League.