Erik ten Hag's Manchester United demand prompts a Cristiano Ronaldo swap transfer.
Manchester United are willing to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave this month, with Atletico Madrid emerging as the favourites to sign him, thanks to Diego Simeone's influence.
Cristiano Ronaldo's wish to leave Manchester United could be granted thanks to a swap deal sparked by Erik ten Hag's demand for the club to sign new forwards.
Ronaldo is committed to leaving United this summer after only one season at Old Trafford following his high-profile return from Juventus after a 12-year absence. Since July, he has been trying to compel his way out.
The 37-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the Premier League opener against Brighton because he was deemed insufficiently fit to start. He was reinstated to the starting lineup for Saturday's humiliating four-goal defeat at Brentford. Ronaldo turned down a request from the club's assistant coach, Steve McClaren, to acknowledge the visiting United players.
Ronaldo's potential locations are limited, with Atletico Madrid trying to stand out as the frontrunners to sign him. Despite his links with Real Madrid, where he is the all-time club goal scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances, the Portuguese superstar is open to joining their city rivals.
Atleti fans have objected the potential signing, but that hasn't deterred manager Diego Simeone, who would love for the club to sign a player he has always admired. Simeone wants to believe Ronaldo will have a similar impact to Luis Suarez, who joined from Barcelona in 2020 and led them to the league title in his debut season.
Simeone wants Ronaldo so badly that he has been dubbed his "dream" signing, and the Spanish club might allow a minimum of one forward to join United under a separate agreement. Despite Suarez's departure this summer, Atleti have a strong attack with Alvaro Morata joining Angel Correa, Matheus Cunha, Joao Felix, and Antoine Griezmann.
United have now been linked with Morata, Felix, and Cunha, but it is the latter that the English club is most interested in. While no formal offer has been made, the club has informed the player's agents, Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci, of their intentions before making a formal approach.
Atleti are doubtful to let Cunha leave for less than his release clause, which is thought to be in the region of €60 million (£50 million), but agreements could see this figure negotiated down. That could be especially true if Los Rojiblancos believe they can sign Ronaldo.
Atletico Madrid needs to raise move funds this summer and would consider letting up to two forwards leave if they sign Ronaldo, who is expected to cost a small fee and is willing to accept a wage cut in order to secure Champions League football and a regular starting spot in Madrid.
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