Manchester United expect Cristiano Ronaldo to be part of their squad next season despite reports linking him with Chelsea.
The Portuguese forward’s agent Jorge Mendes met new Blues chairman Todd Boehly last week and Ronaldo was said to have been part of the discussions.
United sources feel there was nothing untoward in the meeting as Mendes advises a huge number of top players.
They are adamant that the 37-year-old is not for sale.
Meanwhile the Mirror newspaper has reported that, United were furious about reports that Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has met with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly about a potential move to Stamford Bridge for the Portuguese. And earlier in the week there were claims in Portugal that Mendes had offered the 37-year-old to Bayern Munich because Ronaldo had become disillusioned with the club’s lack of action in the transfer market since appointing Erik ten Hag as manager.
But high-level sources at Old Trafford have made it clear that Ronaldo is going nowhere – and that Ten Hag has already included him in his plans for next season. “Cristiano is not for sale,” said the source. “We want – and fully expect – him to be with us next season.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner still has a year left on his Old Trafford contract and is expected to be a central figure in new manager Erik ten Hag’s squad for the coming season.
Ronaldo was one of few players to escape severe criticism at United last term.
However, although he finished third in the Premier League’s Golden Boot standings with 18 goals, there were claims that his presence prevented United from adopting a high-pressing game, which contributed to their dismal form.
