Fabrizio Romano says Cristiano Ronaldo is still looking for Manchester United exit

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is still looking for a way out of Manchester United this season.

Ronaldo’s future has been subject to speculation throughout the summer after it was reported that he wants to leave United, only a year after joining the club.

Champions League football has been described as the main motive of the Portuguese maestro’s desire to leave Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. (Alamy)

United will be competing in the Europa League this season after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.

The Red Devils want to hold on to Ronaldo, who still has 12 months remaining on his contract at the club, as they still see him as a formidable goalscoring outlet.

Ronaldo’s behaviour in Manchester United’s match against Rayo Vallecano was much publicised and even criticised by Erik ten Hag after the forward left the premises during the pre-season friendly following his substitution.

In his chat with GiveMeSport, Romano confirmed that Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is still looking for a solution for the superstar, but it is difficult to find potential suitors due to lack of interest.

Romano said, “At the moment, for Cristiano, the situation is still quiet. Jorge Mendes, I’m told, is still working to find a solution, so maybe trying with Atletico Madrid, with Bayern.

“These clubs have stated in public many, many times that they have no intention to go for Cristiano Ronaldo. So it’s definitely not an easy one for Cristiano and Jorge Mendes.”

Multiple issues have taken place at both Atletico Madrid and Bayern regarding the idea of signing Ronaldo.

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn has already stated that Ronaldo, who ranks in the bottom percentile among strikers for opponent pressures per 90 minutes, wouldn’t fit into the club’s ‘philosophy’.

Cristiano Ronaldo against Atletico de Madrid (Alamy)

He told Kicker, “We discussed Cristiano Ronaldo internally, I consider him one of the greatest players ever. Then we came to a conclusion that, despite our appreciation for Cristiano, he would not fit into our philosophy in the current situation.”

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have been warned by their own fans against a move for Ronaldo as they went ahead and arranged a full-blown protest against the club’s reported intention to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to the Wanda Metropolitano, including a banner which said “CR7 not welcome.”

Atletico Madrid fans produced a “CR7 NOT WELCOME” sign at a pre-season friendly (Twitter: JaviGomezCh)

After this, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo came out and told El Partidazo, “I’ve already said this several times, I don’t know who invented the Cristiano story but I’ll tell you that it’s practically impossible that he comes to Atletico de Madrid.

“Rumours are rumours and they have to stay as rumours. If you keep on fuelling the rumours, then eventually it will look like it’s something real, which it’s not.

United lost their opening game of the Premier League season in a 2-1 loss to Brighton at Old Trafford. Ronaldo came off the bench in the second half.