Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been told to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club if that is the player's wish.
The Dutchman revealed in Monday's press conference ahead of today's Liverpool friendly that he had spoken to the superstar and that he is very much still part of his plans. "I have read but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale, he is in our plans and we want success together," he said.
However, that is not to say Ten Hag isn't preparing for a potential departure, with United tweaking their transfer plans amid the Ronaldo news. The 37-year-old wants to leave Old Trafford due to slow transfer activity, a reduction in wages and the club's apparently slim chance of winning silverware this coming season.
He is not on United's pre-season tour due to family reasons. Away from this though, former Arsenal forward Alan Smith says that if Ronaldo does want to leave the club, Ten Hag should allow him to.
He described how he thought his homecoming season was "a bit of a soap opera" and that the issue of his future should be sorted as soon as possible. "If Ronaldo wants to go then let him go," Smith told 888.
"He's someone who obviously wants to play Champions League football. He has come in at United and done the job for him he was paid to do which is to score goals.
"But Ten Hag now obviously wants a clean slate and no distractions. 'Ronaldo is not playing this week'. 'He's on the bench'. You don't know any of that and it's all a bit of a soap opera really."
He added: "So if he wants to go, then try to get that sorted early doors. I'm not sure how efficient they are at Manchester United and they've in a state of flux with a new manager but Ten Hag will want to get a squad together that he actually wants to work with."