Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe holds talks with Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-agent Jorge Mendes as he draws up transfer plans: Reports
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held talks with Cristiano Ronaldo's former agent Jorge Mendes ahead of the summer transfer window.
The INEOS boss is set to lead the Red Devils into a new footballing era, and he has already begun by making changes within the club's hierarchy. United have now signed new CEO Omar Berrada and new technical director Jason Wilcox. They are also looking to sign Dan Ashworth, who is now on gardening leave from Newcastle United.
According to the report from Mirror (via GOAL), the Manchester United co-owner is interested in Jorge Mendes' contacts within footballing circles. It is widely expected that the squad will also undergo some restructuring, and now, Jim Ratcliffe has had talks with Jorge Mendes, who was Cristiano Ronaldo's agent.
A new set of players at Old Trafford may signal the full beginning of a new sporting project. The Red Devils have struggled to achieve new heights under manager Erik ten Hag, and there are reports that the manager may be replaced. However, he has led United to the FA Cup final, where they face Manchester City, and he could yet end the season with a trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo's demands to Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United revealed
Cristiano Ronaldo slammed Manchester United and questioned their managerial choices in a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan. This eventually led to his exit from the club, as the forward left Europe entirely for the Middle East, sacking Jorge Mendes along the way.
However, before all this came underway, Ronaldo played under interim manager Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford. According to Bild (via Mirror), the Portuguese striker made demands to Rangnick, regarding his playing time. He reportedly told Rangnick that in every five games, he would play four, and he would not travel with the squad during his absent games.
While it is uncertain if this is true, or whether such demands were met, Cristiano Ronaldo did lash out at Ralf Rangnick during his Piers Morgan interview.
Before leaving the club, Ronaldo said of the former interim coach (via Mirror):
"For example, we have an interesting point that, how the club as Manchester United after they sack Ole, they bring in sports director Rangnick, which is something that nobody understands. This guy is not even a coach. A bigger club like Manchester United bringing in a sports director - it surprised not only me but all the world, you know?"
Ronaldo has gone on to impress, following his United stint. He currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he has scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists in 26 games.