CRISTIANO RONALDO’S decision to tell Manchester United he wants to leave is “weird” timing, according to former player Lee Sharpe.
It was confirmed last week that the 37-year-old has informed the Red Devils his desire to move elsewhere, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich thought to be in the running.
Ronaldo has told Manchester United he wants to leave the club
Sharpe is baffled by the timing of Ronaldo’s announcement
It comes more than six weeks after Man Utd failed to secure Champions League football, finishing sixth in the Premier League following a dreadful campaign.
On a personal note, Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 38 appearances but failed to help United mount a title challenge.
The club’s wait for a trophy also extended to five years.
Yet despite their struggles, Sharpe, who spent eight years in the United first team between 1988 and 1996, feels it is poor timing on Ronaldo’s part – with the player yet to report back for training.
Speaking to bettors.ng, he said: “I think it’s a funny thing to come out with right now.
“Ronaldo has come out and said he wanted to play Champions League football for the rest of his career.
“He knew, even before the end of last season, that Manchester United weren’t going to be playing Champions League and didn’t ask for a transfer.
“The manager has just come in, and he hasn’t even been in training yet. It seems a bit of a weird one.”
Ronaldo’s individual performances were praised last season but the team’s overall form left a lot to be desired.
Sharpe, who won three Premier League titles with United, is concerned about the absence of goals which Ronaldo’s exit would bring.
However, he also believes the Portuguese forward’s departure could end up being a positive for the team as a whole.
“As far as the team goes, they will struggle because of the number of goals he brings to the team, but because of the age of him, I think they will be able to bring in someone a bit younger that possibly could play on that front foot and get the ball back and play the high pressing game, which Ronaldo is a little bit old to play.
“Disappointing in one way, but could possibly work out for the better in the end for the team.”
Man Utd kick off their 2022/23 Premier League season at home to Brighton on August 7 – new manager Erik ten Hag‘s first competitive game in charge.
