According to the Manchester Evening News, M.E.N, via David Ornstein, Premier League and London giants Chelsea Football Club's new owner Todd Boehly met with Jorge Mendes last month in Portugal. It is understood that Cristiano Ronaldo's situation was discussed alongside the possibility of a summer switch from Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.
As things stand, both the Old Trafford club and new manager Erik Ten Hag intend to keep the 37-year-old Portuguese international captain for the upcoming season. Previous reports suggested that the five-time Balon d'Or winner was unhappy at the club and wished for the Red Devils to be competitive at the highest level. He is said to be eager for the club to match his ambitions by strengthening the squad this summer.
With Chelsea offering Ronaldo a second chance at the UEFA Champions League, as opposed to United's Thursday night Europa League football, the former Real Madrid star would undoubtedly consider a move to the Blues, which would boost Man United's performance next season.
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Manchester United have been a shadow of their former selves since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager nearly a decade ago.
Four world-class managers, including Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, and Ole Gunner Solsjaer, have been at the club with the goal of resurrecting the fallen European giant. This, however, was a pipe dream.
And, after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, the Reds hired a new manager in Erik ten Hag, who is now focused on rebuilding the club in time for the start of the Premier League in six weeks.
The Dutch considers his engine room and the heart of the defense as departments that require new blood ahead of the campaign.
Ten Hag has placed Ajax defender Jurrie Timber on his defensive wish list, following their outstanding form at Johan Cruyff Arena last season.
However, he has not put all of his eggs in one basket; if his pursuit of the middle block fails, as the sources claim, the new manager sees Matthijs de Ligt as an option.
Ten Hag first worked with de Ligt at Ajax in 2019, when the wonderkid was only 19 years old, before joining Juventus the following year.
It should not be forgotten that de Ligt led Ajax to the Champions League semifinals in 2019 while playing at the heart of the defense, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.
His brilliance against Tottenham Hotspurs in that thriller was not lost on former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, who waxed lyrical about the 22-year-old.
Should United fail to land Jurrie Timber and instead sign Matthijs de Ligt, his brilliance and fantastic maturity, as mentioned by Mourinho, will save the club.
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