‘you can leave but on one condition’ – Ten Hag tell Ronaldo as two clubs submit bid for the player

Erik ten Hag is eyeing a €60 million move for Real Madrid’s Casemiro, with the Adrien Rabiot deal on the verge of collapse due to pay disagreements.

Erik ten Hag has agreed to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United if he can find a club willing to acquire him.

Ten Hag will not stand in Ronaldo’s way as he attempts to force his way out of Old Trafford, though United has yet to receive any offers for the Portuguese striker despite his agent Jorge Mendes’ efforts to entice Champions League clubs throughout Europe.

There is now a perception around United that the 37-year-old is hopeful that the club will be willing to rip up the remaining year of his contract and let him go free.

United are officially denying this, but it is thought that, despite their public stance that Ronaldo is not for sale, they would consider an offer if received before the transfer window shuts.

Ten Hag’s position has not changed and has been consistent since he took over as United manager: he has wanted Ronaldo to stay, reasoning that it would be difficult to replace his goal-threat in a team that needs to improve in other areas, but also that the Portuguese superstar had to fit into his style of play and accept that, given his age, he might not always be in the side. However, if an acceptable arrangement can be reached, Ten Hag will not intervene.

There has been outrage at Ronaldo’s behavior since he returned to the squad after being granted time off for personal reasons, which caused him to miss United’s pre-season trip.

Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to leave, and his teammates are well aware of his intentions, which is not helping morale after such a dismal start to the season and with the club under pressure.

United are exploring a €60 million move for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, as their deal to buy Adrien Rabiot is about to fall through.

United have failed to reach an agreement with Rabiot on personal terms, with Casemiro considered as a more interesting alternative if they can persuade Real to let him depart this month.

Manager Erik ten Hag is said to be interested in the 30-year-old Brazilian international as he seeks to improve his alternatives for a holding midfielder. Even if Casemiro has three years left on his deal, Real Madrid may be willing to negotiate after signing Aurélien Tchouaméni and already having Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde. It remains to be seen whether Casemiro wants to leave Real and retire from Champions League play, but a move for him is being considered, with a sum of around €60 million being mooted.

United and Juventus had a tentative agreement in place for a transfer fee of roughly £15 million (€17.8 million) with add-ons for Rabiot, but no wage package or contract duration had yet been agreed upon between club and player. Last week, United’s de facto sporting director, John Murtough, traveled to Turin to meet with the player’s representatives, including his mother and agent Veronique.

United’s poor start to the season has put them under significant pressure to recruit players, including a midfielder, and they will have to reconsider what they are willing to offer Rabiot or move on to another target. The 27-year-old France international has been a long-term target for the Premier League and has only one season left on his contract in Turin.