CRISTIANO RONALDO was stunned to be told he would not start in Manchester United’s 4-1 derby defeat to Manchester City.
The 37-year-old was informed by interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who wanted fresh legs for the match.
Ronaldo could leave Man Utd this summer IF they don’t secure Champions League football
Rangnick believed Ronaldo could make a big impact from the bench.
But the United legend insisted he could do that from the start and was furious at being axed.
Ronaldo is believed to also have a hip injury and has flown to his homeland of Portugal in the hope the warm weather helps his recovery.
After Sunday’s loss, Rangnick said: “I have to believe my medical department.
“Our doctor came to see me Friday morning before training and said Cristiano could not train because of some problems with his hip flexor and the same Saturday.”
The situation has led to renewed talk of a possible exit this summer.
But if Ronaldo were to leave Man Utd at the end of the season, where could his next destination be?
Sporting Lisbon
Ronaldo could return to his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
The football icon made 31 appearances for the Portuguese outfit before making a move to Man Utd.
And Sporting also happen to be the bookies’ favourites to seal a fairytale reunion.
Sky Bet have Sporting as 7/2 favourites to land the United ace this summer.
Ronaldo’s mum Delores regularly posts pictures of her watching her favourite Portuguese club, Sporting, with family and friends on social media and confessed on a recent podcast: “I’ve already told him, ‘Son, before I die I want to see you return to Sporting‘.”
Ronaldo in action against John O’Shea before his move to United
Paris Saint-Germain
Ronaldo could move to mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain and link up with fellow football icon Lionel Messi.
CR7 was linked with a move to PSG last summer when his future at Juventus was in doubt.
PSG would also be able to offer Ronaldo Champions League football, something United CANNOT do at this point in time.
The Parisians also have the financial power to pay Ronaldo.
Ronaldo playing against PSG
Real Madrid
Ronaldo could look for a fairytale reunion with another one of his former clubs.
Real Madrid are eyeing a rebuild this summer after the club’s finances took a hit as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Kylian Mbappe could also be on his way this summer for FREE.
Ronaldo won FOUR Champions Leagues at Real
Bayern Munich
A move to Germany isn’t out of the realms of possibility either.
And a move to Bayern Munich would guarantee Ronaldo trophies and Champions League football.
Current striker Robert Lewandowski is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Should that move happen, a starting spot would open up in Bayern’s frontline.
Bayern currently pay Lewandowski £370,000-a-week… so paying Ronaldo wouldn’t be a problem.
Inter Miami
Ronaldo could decide to call it quits in Europe and make a move to the MLS with newbies Inter Miami.
The club is owned by his former Red Devils team-mate David Beckham.
However, Inter Miami are yet to win in the MLS this season, losing and drawing in their opening two games.
