When asked to comment on the prospect of Chelsea signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Graham Potter was coy. The 37-year-old striker faces an increasingly uncertain future at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag's decision to drop him from the squad to face Chelsea on Saturday, October 22.
Ronaldo left Old Trafford early despite the Red Devils side beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. He was an unused substitute by Ten Hag, as goals from Bruno Fernandes and Fred held Antonio Conte's side to a disappointing defeat.
An official statement released by the club reads: "Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea. The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture."
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The Portugal international was heavily linked with an exit from United in the summer, with Chelsea one of several clubs linked with securing his services. football.london understand that the Blues sounded out a move in July, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner eager to ply his trade in the Champions League.
And according to ESPN, Ronaldo was even open to a move to Stamford Bridge. However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea reignites interest in the Portuguese star, with Potter keeping his cards close to his chest.
Speaking ahead of the west Londoners' home clash with AC Milan in the Champions League, Potter didn't rule anything out. He said: "We can spend all day with these questions, but I'm not going to speak about this. If they are not our players, I am not going to speak to them."
Following the saga at Old Trafford in the final moments of the Spurs clash, doubt has been cast over Ronaldo's future at the club. With Todd Boehly known to be interested in the striker, Chelsea could be tempted into capitalising on this opportunity.
The American billionaire Boehly met Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes in the summer to discuss a potential move, according to The Athletic. It's said that Ronaldo, who sees his contract expire at the end of the season, was offered to Bayern Munich, but the German giants turned their nose up at the chance.
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