Cristiano Ronaldo irking Manchester United teammates and staff with moodiness, a headache for Erik ten Hag

It was not supposed to be this way. On July 11, in a sweaty press-conference room in Bangkok, Ten Hag tried to put an end to the debate about Ronaldo’s future, which began on July 3 when The Sunday Times revealed that the Portugal superstar wanted to leave.

“I have read [that he wants to leave] but Cristiano is not for sale,” Ten Hag said in Bangkok. “He is in our plans and we want success together. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

More than a month later the boil has not been lanced. Ronaldo still wants to go and, publicly at least, United are continuing to insist that their 37-year-old star is staying.

That Ronaldo is unhappy became clear when he stormed off the pitch at Brentford without acknowledging Ten Hag. With just over two weeks until the transfer window shuts, Ten Hag has a decision to make: does he keep Ronaldo, or does he get rid of him?

The first option is favourable for several reasons. First, if Ronaldo stays at the club beyond September 1, Ten Hag will have a proven goalscorer in his squad, one who racked up 24 goals last season. Maybe a one-to-one chat with Ronaldo would bring him round. Ten Hag could promise, for example, not to trigger the one-year extension on his contract and allow Ronaldo to leave on a free transfer next summer.

Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have distanced themselves from a move for Ronaldo. The only substantive offer the player has received is from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club, who are willing to hand him a two-year contract worth more than £2 million ($3.4m) a week.

Keeping Ronaldo is fraught with danger, however. Ronaldo could sulk for the rest of the season, which would affect dressing-room harmony. Ten Hag is a big believer in unity, in wanting all the players pulling in the same direction. How can he do that if Ronaldo is dragging everyone down by being in a foul mood?

Selling Ronaldo could in theory lift the mood in the camp, and recent evidence suggests that he cannot do some of the things that the manager wants him to do anyway, such as press when out of possession.

Florentino Perez, who signed Ronaldo 13 years ago for Real, was asked by a fan last week if he would re-sign the Portuguese. “Again? He’s 38 years old,” Perez joked.

Actually Ronaldo does not turn 38 until February but, despite being in excellent physical shape, he is not as fit as he was when he made his professional debut 19 years ago.

Would United really be able to find a buyer for him now, not to mention an able replacement? United’s recruitment has not exactly been rapid or effective this summer.

Ten Hag has been given only three new recruits so far and United have started the season with losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. The performance against Brentford was so bad that Ten Hag cancelled a day off yesterday (Sunday) and demanded that the players train.

Ten Hag is stubborn, which is why you would expect Ronaldo to stay. The Dutchman decided he wanted to keep Ronaldo four months ago and he seldom changes his mind. Whatever happens over the next few weeks, Ten Hag’s management skills will be put to the test like never before.

– The Times

Originally published as Cristiano Ronaldo irking Manchester United teammates and staff with moodiness, a headache for Erik ten Hag