Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag changes his stance on selling Cristiano Ronaldo: Reports

Manchester United could be willing to part ways with Cristiano Ronaldo as new manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly given the green light for his departure. This in contrast to Ten Hag's earlier stance, with previous reports indicating the Dutchman wanted to keep the star striker at Old Trafford.

According to The Times, Ten Hag is now willing to sell Ronaldo as he is unhappy with the veteran forward's behavior and attitude. The Dutchman does not believe the 37-year-old is motivated to help the Red Devils succeed this season and is therefore willing to sanction his departure.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined United from Juventus last summer for an initial fee of €15 million with add-ons. The Red Devils signed him in the hope that he would be able to lead them to their first Premier League title in nearly a decade. The striker enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign, finishing as the club's top-scorer with 18 goals in 30 league games.

Despite his goalscoring exploits, United endured a dismal campaign as they finished sixth in the league table, thereby failing to qualify for this season's Champions League. Failure to qualify for Europe's elite competition and a disappointing summer transfer window resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo seeking a move away from Old Trafford.

The former Juventus star opted out of United's pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand due to 'personal reasons'. However, Ten Hag had, at the time, reiterated his desire to keep hold of the Portugal international (as per ESPN).

Ronaldo was named on the bench for his side's Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion and came on as a second-half substitute. He was then included in Ten Hag's starting line-up for the game against Brentford.

But United suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to the Bees, after which Ronaldo appeared visibly infuriated. The Portuguese forward even snubbed a handshake from Ten Hag after the game.

Ronaldo's attitude has led to the Dutch tactician giving the greenlight for his sale. The Portuguese icon is reportedly waiting to see if the owners and executives share the same views as the former Ajax manager.

Ronaldo's departure could have massive financial implications for the club given his commercial value.

Atletico Madrid has emerged a potential destination for United forward Cristiano Ronaldo

Brentford FC v Manchester United - Premier League

As per Sky Sports, Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to leave United but is yet to receive any concrete offers. Bayern Munich and Chelsea were linked with the 37-year-old but decided against pursuing his signature.

According to The Times, Atletico Madrid has emerged as a potential destination for the Portuguese star. Diego Simeone could view him as the ideal replacement for Luis Suarez, who left the club after the expiration of his contract in June.

The Spanish giants could also offer Alvaro Morata or Antoine Griezmann to United to facilitate a deal for Ronaldo.

The Red Devils could prefer to sign Morata over Griezmann as the Spaniard enjoyed an incredible pre-season and scored a brace in Atletico Madrid's 3-0 victory over Getafe in their La Liga opener.