Manchester United will not sign an immediate replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo if he departs Old Trafford during the January transfer window, according to reports.
Ronaldo, 37, expressed a desire to leave this summer only 12 months on from his sensational return. However, with no takers for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, he was forced to stay put.
His situation has remained under the microscope since then - while Ronaldo has been made to settle for a bit-part role under Erik ten Hag this season. Frustration boiled over when the Portugal captain refused to come off the subs bench for United during their statement win over Tottenham.
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It saw him omitted from the matchday squad for the following match vs Chelsea and Ronaldo was poised to head back to training at Carrington this week. Ultimately, though, his second act at Old Trafford might now be coming to end, one way or another, with January in sight.
Reports from The Athletic suggest United will wait before potentially replacing him, though. The article states that Ten Hag will be given a reduced budget during the winter months after splashing out on four big-money signings in his first window at the helm following his appointment from Ajax.
Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Antony were all signed for fees. Christian Eriksen was welcomed in on a free transfer as Martin Dubravka arrived on loan.
Elsewhere, reports from The Sun state Napoli are leading the race to sign Ronaldo as things stand. Napoli have won 11 straight games in all competitions and currently top the Serie A standings.
In that sense, they would certainly match the ambition held by the former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar, but there is, perhaps, no guarantee he would walk straight into their starting XI on a regular basis. Chelsea, big-spending PSG and MLS franchises have also been credited with interest.
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