Cristiano Ronaldo has seen a number of exit options disappear since telling Manchester United he wants to leave. However, one of those, Atletico Madrid, could yet return to the table.
Ronaldo has returned to Carrington for showdown talks after not featuring in United’s pre-season tour. And, while Atleti president Enrique Cerezo played down the chances of the veteran moving to Madrid, worrying shirt sales could wake the club up to the need for big-name signing.
Sales are reportedly down 40% year on year, dropping to the lowest levels in recorded club history. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has had a noticeable impact on commercial income both for Man Utd and previous club Juventus.
Since hiring Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has been active in the transfer market, but there may still be deals to be made.
Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez have all arrived, and with the addition of the Argentine, United’s total spending for the transfer window has surpassed £50 million. There have also been a few departures, like Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, and there may be more business in the upcoming weeks.
Trippier talks confirmed
England defender Kieran Trippier has confirmed there was interest from Manchester United in bringing him to Old Trafford. He even held talks with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone over a potential switch last summer, but ultimately stayed in Spain until January before joining Newcastle United.
“Yes they were [interested],” the full-back said. “There were a couple of clubs. Me and the manager (Simeone) had a chat at the start of the season and agreed if an opportunity came up I might go.
“The Newcastle deal happened really quickly. The manager (Eddie Howe) took over, who I knew well and it was a good decision. This place is a football city and people are obsessed with their club.”
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