Man United bids Cristiano Ronaldo a blunt farewell in a matchday programme
Man United bids Cristiano Ronaldo a blunt farewell in a matchday programme following the termination of the player's contract
Man United bids Cristiano Ronaldo a blunt farewell in a matchday programme following the termination of the player’s contract.
Manchester United are now a month into life without Cristiano Ronaldo and there’s evidently no love lost between the two parties following his acrimonious exit ahead of the January transfer window
Despite a wealth of success in a red shirt over a total of seven-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, there’s no love lost between the two parties – and on Wednesday during the Carabao Cup match against Burnley.
Ahead of their Carabao Cup fourth-round United wrote in their matchday programme an 81-word goodbye message to the 37-year-old megastar who mutually agreed to tear up his £480,000-a-week contract last month.
Following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan – in which he most notably took aim at manager Erik ten Hag and owners of the Glazer family – Man United wished Ronaldo a sobering goodbye.
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“Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual agreement last month,” the message began. “The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals across two spells and 436 appearances and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Ronaldo was also crowned the Ballon d’Or winner in 2008. In a statement on November 22, the club put on record its gratitude for Cristiano’s immense contribution and wished him and his family well for the future.”
And indeed United are looking forward, as Ten Hag has his sights set on immediately replacing the former Real Madrid, Juventus, and Sporting Lisbon hero during the upcoming January transfer window.
Recently asked by the Athletic whether he and United’s recruitment team were searching for a new forward, the Dutchman replied: “Yes, but only when we find the right player.
“We will do everything in our power. We are doing research at every opportunity and we will do everything we can (to sign them) if that opportunity is there.”
The most likely candidate to replace Ronaldo in PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo. Ten Hag is believed to be a big fan of the 23-year-old Netherlands international, who scored three goals in five games at the World Cup, and already has 13 goals and 17 assists at the club level this season.
Probed on Gakpo’s potential arrival, the Red Devils manager added: “I cannot give comments on specific players. I will never do that. Players have contracts and I respect that but be sure we are working in the background to get the right players in.”
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