Paul Merson's prediction on Cristiano Ronaldo has been proven right as the 37-year-old's Manchester United future remains unclear.
The Portuguese star was the standout performer for United last season, notching up double figures in the Premier League in what was a dismal campaign for the club in general. However, the former Real Madrid and Juventus attacker has yet to feature in Erik ten Hag's first pre-season with United after he was granted leave for 'family reasons'.
While Ten Hag remains adamant he will have the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at his disposal for the coming season, the Manchester Evening News understands United's inactivity in the transfer market and a salary reduction are among the issues that have convinced Ronaldo to try and seek a move away from the club.
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Following his sensational return to the Premier League last summer, Ronaldo has been a regular target for pundits to criticise. Former Arsenal midfielder Merson, for example, has been outspoken in his criticism of Ronaldo.
And his prediction in November is beginning to be proven right as potential suitors have been in short supply, he wrote in his Daily Star column: "I think Ronaldo would stay if they manage to qualify for the Champions League. But I said when they signed him that signing him means they are further away from winning the league than ever - and they are.
"He's been a problem because OIe Gunnar Solskjaer had a plan before they signed him and had to rip it all up to try and get him in the team, and it hasn't worked."
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