After his 'explosive' interview with Piers Morgan, it seems unlikely that Cristiano Ronaldo will ever play for Manchester United again. The Manchester Evening News understands that the majority of the playing squad are unhappy with the timing of the Portuguese forward's comments and believe he shouldn't return to the squad after the World Cup.
If United's hierarchy agrees, then their famous number seven will need to find a new club in January. But if the summer window is any evidence, with clubs like Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich actively denying interest in the 37-year-old, finding a club that fits Ronaldo's ambitions may be difficult.
So could Ronaldo move outside Europe? The Portuguese forward has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS in recent months and if he was willing to make that step, David Beckham's Inter Miami could be a potential destination.
READ MORE: Ronaldo comment shows why he was never going to fit under Ten Hag
Inter Miami have a designated player spot open in their squad after the retirement of Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain had become known across Europe for his clinical spells at Napoli and Juventus but he also played with Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid.
Beckham never played with Ronaldo, their spells at Old Trafford missed by one summer as Beckham left in 2003 just as the heir to his number seven shirt joined. But if he wanted to bring the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to the States he would be hoping that his connection with United will play a part.
However recent reports have stated he may have competition from the A-League. The Daily Mail revealed that Australian boss Danny Townsend had contacted Jorge Mendes with a bid for the attacker.
Townsend said: "[Ronaldo] said he wasn't getting any love and respect at Manchester United but we'll certainly give him plenty of love and respect in Australia.
He continued: "We might not be able to compete financially with other offers but we can compete in other ways."
In recent years, Australia have been trying to grow the game further in their country but also on the global stage and adding a global, if aging, superstar to their ranks would likely help them. If Ronaldo was to move to the A-League, he would join former United and Portugal team-mate Nani who joined Melbourne Victory this summer, but it's clear he would be the face of the league.
Beckham's Miami side can also offer Ronaldo the prestige he desires and crucially, a financial package closer to what he was earning at United. However there is still a World Cup between now and the January window and Ronaldo's full focus will be on competing for that trophy to show that he still has it on the global stage.
READ NEXT:
