After all the backroom manoeuvres, tough negotiations and legal complexities, Manchester United is on the verge of losing its prized catches: Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba. There are several reports, especially in some publications considered as sacred forms of journalism, that both the high profile players are planning to move out for different reasons altogether. In the case of Ronaldo, if Red Devils’ next managerial pick is not compatible with his kind of thinking and approach then he might exit for good much before his contract expires.
The Portuguese superstar last year rejoined Manchester United for two reasons: Sir Alex Ferguson’s deal-clinching call and to help Manchester United regain its lost glory. Now things have come to such a pass that the Portuguese star striker is unable to put his best feet forward, so the next manager has to be someone who can bring the best out of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Fortunes have not changed much for the Old Trafford club since the exit of Solskajaer and the entry of Rangnick on an interim basis. The German with all his experience has failed to inspire a side with promising talents, something that has been annoying Ronaldo a lot. To make matters worse, the Portuguese striker is getting increasingly frustrated with Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2 formation, which has rendered Ronaldo almost helpless.
If sources are to be believed the former Real Madrid striker is of the view that being a champion player he should ideally be helping his side pocket more trophies than simply sulking over lack of opportunities to showcase the riches he possesses. Ronaldo has, so far, scored 14 goals since returning to Man United.
In another interesting development, as per the website, espn.in, Man United has made it clear that it has no issue if Ronaldo wishes to go at the end of the season. So, what does this imply? Another club for the 37-year-old in such a short span? It would be a bit premature to place any bet right now on the future of Ronaldo as the Devils have already managed to break into the last 16 of the Champion’s League. If it manages to win the league then who knows all these talks will turn out to be mere speculations. However, one thing is certain: Ronaldo is not happy with the current situation he is faced with inside the club.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s current teammate and his partner in the bottle saga, Paul Pobga is also eager to bid adieu to the Old Trafford club at the end of the season when his contract expires, as per some reports. What was supposed to be a “new beginning for a better tomorrow” at the United is ending on a sour note for Pogba, akin to the stint in 2012. The French footballer has thus far kept his future plan close to his chest but the question is, could the Old Trafford club afford to let go of an expensive buy like him? The club in 2016 not only paid a bomb but also had a tough time dealing with some complicated and stringent legal provisions to get Pogba on board.
Coming to Pogba’s performance this season, after returning from an injury last year the French striker has looked rusty so far, to say the least. The defensive midfielder has just one goal to show after 27 appearances in the 2021/22 season. This record simply does not justify the high price tag attached to him, surely he can do better. With no new deal materialising from United’s side he will be free to pick any side next summer that offers him good financial security.
Apart from Juventus, he has also been eyed by PSG as the club wants to strengthen the side in case Mbappe decides to leave Paris. Hence, it will be a surprise to see him in Red clothing for a long time if the Old Trafford club does not initiate a new contractual agreement with him soon. If Ronaldo and Pogba move to another destination, then it will be a twin blow for the United as it will not only be losing two match-defining players but also end up increasing the potency of their rivals.
