Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Matthew Hobkinson

Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo receives first January transfer offer

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has received an offer to move to Australia's A-League following his interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo wanted to leave Old Trafford over the summer in pursuit of Champions League football but a deal failed to materialise and since the September 1 deadline passed, the 37-year-old has had a fractious relationship with the club.

Tensions rose last month after the former Real Madrid man disobeyed Erik ten Hag's instructions to come on as a substitute during United's 2-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford in October. Ronaldo then preceded to storm down the tunnel before full-time, rather than celebrate with his teammates.

ALSO READ: Ten Hag can keep his Ajax promise with Garnacho decision

The announcement on Sunday night of Ronaldo's interview with Morgan once again stole the thunder from what should have been a day of celebration for his teammates. Alejandro Garnacho's 93rd-minute winner against Fulham was quickly removed from the back pages and replaced with accusations from Ronaldo about the club he re-joined last summer.

It appears as if Ronaldo has well and truly burnt his bridges with United and will have to find an alternative club either in January or the summer by the very latest. One opportunity has now arisen for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, as A-League CEO Danny Townsend revealed an escape route for the star to move Down Under.

"[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," Townsend said in comments published by News Corp. "We might not be able to compete financially with other offers but we can compete in other ways."

A move to Australia would see him follow in the footsteps of former United winger Nani, who signed for A-League side Melbourne Victory this summer.

"Obviously it's a long shot but we've certainly got a compelling proposition for him here in Australia to consider," Townsend added.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.