Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer the club's problem as he fails to find form at Manchester United.
The 37-year-old left the Turin-based titans last summer to secure a deadline day return to Old Trafford, but things have fallen apart over the last few months. After a dismal season last time out, United missed out on Champions League qualification, which in turn inspired Ronaldo to approach those at the top of the club's hierarchy with a request to leave.
That request was subsequently denied, while a plethora of European clubs distanced themselves from reports linking them with a move for Ronaldo which added further insult to injury. The latest update from his former side is likely to sting as well after Arrivabene was pressed for comment about the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"We separated ways at Juventus with mutual respect, then what happened at Manchester United is no longer our problem," the Juventus chief told DAZN. We are sorry to see him in a situation that is not pleasant for him and for the team. He's no longer our problem."
Ronaldo's main problem as things stands is trying to break into Erik ten Hag's plans. United have endured a shaky start five games into the new Premier League season, losing their first two before beating Liverpool, Southampton and Leicester City.
All three of those victories came while Ronaldo was dropped to the bench, United's iconic number seven playing bit-part roles in each of the wins. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has been working tirelessly all summer to try and facilitate an Old Trafford exit for his client but the window has now shut until January.
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There are some concerns over the amount of playing time Ronaldo will actually receive this season after United spent big bolstering their forward line. Ten Hag pushed for the £85million acquisition of ex-Ajax wide-man Antony.
The 22-year-old Brazilian is expected to take up the same role he did in Amsterdam operating on the right flank. This will only create further competition for places in United's attack, with at least one of Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho or Marcus Rashford set to be snubbed for a starting role.
Ten Hag is unlikely to change much of United's forward line given their recent success, though if any player is going to be introduced it seems much more likely to be marquee signing Antony than the struggling Ronaldo.
Next up for the Red Devils is the visit of high-flying, table-toppers Arsenal - a side Ronaldo has had so much joy against in past fixtures between the two teams. Whether he'll get the chance to inflict further damage on the Gunners remains to be seen.
