Why Man Utd really could release Ronaldo in January

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 21 Oct 2022 09:55 BST
• 4 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for the ultimate footballing humiliation as Manchester United are ready to cut short his contract in January and release him, according to the i.

As if being left on the bench is not humiliating enough for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, his midweek strop against Tottenham, which saw him storm away from the bench with around five minutes of the game remaining, has not had the impact the striker wanted.

Ronaldo will be left out of the Man Utd squad to face Chelsea at the weekend – one of the biggest matches of the season – which is a move by the club that underscores just how peripheral to their needs the 37-year-old has become.

MORE: Ronaldo ruining his World Cup hopes with Man Utd strop

Although he issued a response via Instagram, it was notable that he did not apologise for his actions and instead sought to excuse them.

If this was an isolated incident, Man Utd and manager Erik ten Hag could likely overlook it. However, it continues a trend of bad behaviour from Ronaldo that is only getting worse.

Now the possibility of the Red Devils cutting short his deal by six months is a very real one.

STROPS: Ronaldo's top five Man Utd tantrums

Indeed, for the first time in his career, Ronaldo cuts an isolated figure. He believes he is integral to the team, but there is a sense around Old Trafford that he is the only one that now believes this.

Ronaldo release is logical

Rumours that Man Utd are willing to release him in January are logical. After all, this is a player whose very presence appears to be doing more harm than good for the Red Devils. The squad reportedly celebrated their midweek victory without a concern Ronaldo was not present – it’s not a stretch to believe they were even relieved that the sulking Portuguese was not in the dressing room with the wrathful attitude.

And on a daily basis, Ronaldo, who is on Man Utd’s biggest wage, is giving manager Erik ten Hag a sideshow he could be doing without. Following United’s fine midweek display, the narrative should be about how well they are playing, not the future of their superstar substitute, who appears to be intent on taking dynamite to his reputation as the consummate professional.

Certainly, finding a suitor for a player whose ego and pay packet is now greater than his ability promises to be a test. During the summer, agent Jorge Mendes scoured Europe for a suitable club for weeks but came up dry. He is doubtless working on a similar quest already.

Similarly, Manchester United will be drawing up a shortlist of Ronaldo alternatives, and if they can land one of these in January, the prospect of the Portuguese being booted out of Old Trafford will become a very real one.