By Betsefy
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to hold talks with agent Jorge Mendes over the possibility of an exit from Manchester United next month.
The 37-year-old was named on the bench by Ralf Rangnick for the Red Devils’ midweek encounter with Burnley and ran straight down the tunnel after failing to make an impact as a substitute in a 1-1 draw.
Ronaldo has banked 14 goals in 25 appearances for Man United since his summer return, but he is now without a goal in five matches and has been linked with an early exit as Rangnick’s side falter in the race for Champions League football.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now supposedly set to accelerate his attempts to leave the club for a second time, with The Mirror reporting that he will meet with Mendes in March to map out a possible exit route.
The report adds that Ronaldo’s decision could be swayed by whomever United appoint as their new permanent manager in the summer, but he would not be inclined to stay if Rangnick is given the job permanently.
The attacker’s £500k-a-week deal does possess an option for a 12-month extension until the summer of 2024, but director Richard Arnold is said to be facing “a losing battle” to tie the Portuguese down for longer.
Ronaldo has now registered 132 goals and 72 assists in 317 appearances across his two spells for the Red Devils and is expected to return to the first XI when Rangnick’s side host Southampton on Saturday.
Should the attacker seek pastures new in the summer, Zinedine Zidane reportedly wants to reunite with his former star if he succeeds Mauricio Pochettino as Paris Saint-Germain manager.
