United released a statement on Friday explaining they have ‘initiated appropriate steps’ following the 37-year-old’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan where he took aim at the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
United are now exploring the option of terminating Ronaldo’s contract with reports suggesting club lawyers believe his actions are enough to consider it a breach of his contract, which is worth in excess of £500,000 a week.
Should United follow through on that and cut ties with their once much-loved star, The Mirror report Chelsea will be back in the hunt for the former Real Madrid icon.
United have been reluctant for Ronaldo to join a Premier League rival since he made his intentions to leave Old Trafford clear in the summer.
Prior to his interview with Morgan, the report claims there was an understanding between the player and club that he would be allowed to leave in January as long as it was to a team overseas.
But by terminating his contract, Ronaldo will be a free agent, giving Chelsea a free run at the Portugal star.
Chelsea were among the host of clubs who were offered Ronaldo during the summer transfer window with Todd Boehly eager to sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner following his takeover at Stamford Bridge.
But Boehly’s advances were met with resistance by Chelsea’s then manager, Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked in September.
Graham Potter replaced the German in west London but recent reports have suggested the Blues boss would be ‘equally unenthused’ over the prospect of Ronaldo joining the club, sharing Tuchel’s concerns over the impact it would have on the dressing room.
United boss ten Hag has already told the Old Trafford hierarchy Ronaldo should play for the club again.
Speaking about his relationship with Ten Hag, Ronaldo said: ‘I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.
‘If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.’
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MORE : Manchester United set deadline to force Cristiano Ronaldo’s Old Trafford exit
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