Pundit lambasts Cristiano Ronaldo as Man United ‘clear-the-air’ talks held
Noel Whelan has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to “knuckle down” at Man United to avoid becoming a “distraction” for new boss Erik ten Hag.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 37-year-old could yet depart in the January transfer window if a move materialises.
As per The Athletic (26 July), Ronaldo has arrived at Man United’s Carrington training ground with his agent Jorge Mendes for talks about his future at the club.
The legendary forward had earlier informed chiefs of his desire to leave the club and is yet to return to full pre-season training with his teammates.
Man United will play Europa League football this term and Ronaldo could play in the competition for the first time if he remains at Old Trafford.
Whelan insisted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner must now put speculation to bed and honour his contract at the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “There’s got to be some clear-the-air talks between him and Ten Hag.
“If a move was going to materialise, I would have thought that it would have been before now.
“Man United aren’t in the Champions League so you can never rule a move out, even in January.
“But now he’s got to knuckle down, concentrate on getting fit, and join his teammates – because he’s contracted to Man United right now. No-one else.
“There’s nothing to talk about. He’s just got to give it his all and show everyone what he’s all about.
“The speculation needs putting to bed. It’s got to be a big distraction for everyone.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Championship club agree to sign Man United starlet.