Cristiano Ronaldo makes retirement admission amid lack of transfer ‘options’

Manchester United will already be planning for the January transfer window as they embark on a month or so without competitive action.

The Red Devils won’t play again in the Premier League until after Christmas due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but the positive is that they have more time to plan for the winter window. Erik ten Hag will surely feel he needs more to ensure his side are playing Champions League football, and it will be interesting to see how the Cristiano Ronaldo situation plays out.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Ronaldo admission

Ronaldo has said he will retire if he wins the World Cup with Portugal this winter. Fernando Santos’ men won Euro 2016 six years ago, and they do have a talented squad of young playes.

“I once dreamed of winning it. It is very difficult but everything is possible,” Ronaldo said in his interview with Piers Morgan. “We are going to compete, we are never the favourites. I think France, Spain, Argentina, Germany or Brazil start as favourites. Also England, but after Portugal. I will 100% retire if we win the World Cup.”

Ronaldo’s lack of options

If Ronaldo does move on, he could find himself short of options, as he did in the summer transfer window. Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport: “Bayern, with their directors insisting many times in the last few weeks that they are not going to sign any player in January. Chelsea are busy with different kinds of players like Christian Nkunku and many others.

“We know that Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone, have already stated that they are not going to go for Cristiano Ronaldo.”

It remains to be seen what United will do with Ronaldo, but if he does leave, it may not be easy for Jorge Mendes to find his client a top club.