Erik ten Hag has already alienated Man United fans after Cristiano Ronaldo latest – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential exit will not be received well by the Man United faithful.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 37-year-old has been a shining light in a “dismal season” for the Old Trafford club.
Football Insider has learned that incoming manager Erik ten Hag has given Ronaldo the green light to leave Man United this summer after making it clear that the forward does not fit into his plans.
A United source told Football Insider earlier this week (11 April) that the club are set to trigger Ten Hag’s £1.7million Ajax release clause and he is expected to accept the job.
Ronaldo has netted 18 goals in 33 games across all competitions this term after joining on a two-year deal last summer (2021).
Whelan suggested Man United’s problems do not start and end with Ronaldo – insisting much “hard work” is ahead.
“I can’t see that going down very well with the fans,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“Out of a dismal season, who has the most goals? It’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He’s proving he can still do it. He’s a winner, a serial winner.
“He’s showing that frustration because they’re not winning football matches and they haven’t got any identity out on the pitch right now.
“There’s so much hard work that needs to be done at Man United. The club needs to be totally reshaped from top to bottom.”
Football Insider revealed last month (25 March) that Porto are plotting a sensational move for Ronaldo this summer.
The Portuguese icon’s departure would hand Man United a £25million-a-year wage bill saving.
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