Manchester United face a busy transfer deadline day with the future of Cristiano Ronaldo still needing to be resolved by the club.
The Portuguese superstar remains determined to depart the Red Devils this summer after just one season back at Old Trafford following his high-profile return from Juventus last year after 12 years away. Despite him declaring his intention to leave over two months ago, he has not been able to secure a departure.
The 37-year-old was dropped to the bench for United’s spirited victory over Liverpool and remained out of the line-up for Saturday’s victory at Southampton. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial are among those who appear to be more favoured by boss Erik ten Hag in attack, with Ronaldo appearing to have no future in the starting XI.
Ronaldo was left "upset" at seeing his pay slashed at United after each member of the squad was hit with a 25 per cent cut to their weekly wage – with the 37-year-old, who is the club’s highest earner, seeing the greatest impact to his pay packet. That was due to the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, which Ronaldo is desperate to continue participating in given his status as the competition's record goalscorer.
In terms of incomings, the imminent additions of Antony and Martin Dubravka brought the number of United signings this summer up to six. A new central midfielder arriving remains unlikely, while interest in PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is thought to have cooled – although it may be revived should Ronaldo depart and an extra attacking body be brought in.
Aside from the Portuguese superstar, there are few high-profile United players who are likely to depart the club. West Ham and Crystal Palace held an interest in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka , but such a move is only likely if United can sign a replacement right-back to compete with Diogo Dalot – with Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund understood to have been a target.
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James Garner is also likely to leave Old Trafford permanently after impressing on a loan stint with Nottingham Forest last campaign. A number of clubs are thought to be interested in a permanent deal, with Everton among the clubs linked to the central midfielder. There is little future at United for Phil Jones , but a late exit for the long-serving defender is unlikely as things stand unless there is an eleventh-hour offer.
There will also be speculation over the futures of Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellestri , who joined the club on transfer deadline day of the summer transfer window in 2020 and have each returned from loan spells at Rangers and Alaves respectively. Neither are likely to be involved heavily in Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans this season.
Another three players who have returned from loan deals are also likely to once again leave. Brandon Williams is back from Norwich but the signing of Tyrell Malacia has pushed him down the pecking order at United further. Teden Mengi and Shola Shoretire have been involved in United’s squads in the past but are available for loans.
Another trio of players on the pre-season tour are set to depart. Goalkeepers Nathan Bishop and Matej Kovar are available to other clubs alongside defender Will Fish, who was sent off in the friendly victory over Crystal Palace.
