Manchester United teammates not surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to leave as they believe he wouldn’t want his legacy to end in the Europa League: Reports

Manchester United's players are reportedly not surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to leave Old Trafford this summer. The Daily Mail states that United's players are certain that the all-time highest Champions League scorer will not want to witness the end of his legacy in the Europa League.

The report also claimed that many of the club's players believed that Ronaldo would not stay for the second year of his two-year contract. They felt that the Portuguese icon would definitely leave after witnessing the dropped levels of competitiveness from his first stint at the club.

It's a damning indictment of a once great club who last season accumulated their lowest points total of the Premier League era (58). This despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring 18 times in his 30 top-flight encounters.

Sky Sports has reported that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will not travel with the Manchester United squad for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. The club have given him extra time off to tend to a family issue.

The Red Devils are also reported to be willing to listen to offers for the superstar attacker, with Premier League rivals Chelsea linked with a sensational swoop. They are preparing a £14 million bid for the superstar.

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Pundit claims Cristiano Ronaldo's departure could be good for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

The Dutch boss is famed for his high-pressing style of play, which 37-year-old Ronaldo may struggle to cope with next season.

Rangers legend Ally McCoist certainly feels that United could be helped in the long term by the Portugal captain's departure during the current window. He believes that Ten Hag would ideally want to build a long-term project at the club.

McCoist told talkSPORT (as quoted by The Express):

"In the long-term future he will want to build a squad that can compete in Champions League football and can compete for the top flight in England. Ronaldo will not be a part of that. He's 37 now. He's cited family reasons for not turning up to training, which is absolutely fine, these things can happen, and if that's the case then so be it.

The former Scotland international added:

"However, you can tell by the fact he's put his feelers out to get away from Manchester United that he's not committed to the cause. That in itself is a little bit disappointing."