Chelsea report: Blues to renew interest in Man United rebel Cristiano Ronaldo

By Alasdair Mackenzie
published

Chelsea were linked with a move for the veteran striker over the summer and could now look to take advantage of the situation at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo warms up ahead of Manchester United's game againstr Tottenham at Old Trafford.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea are considering a January move for Cristiano Ronaldo, say reports, after the Portuguese star was dropped by Manchester United for disciplinary reasons.

The 37-year-old has struggled for game time under Erik ten Hag and his frustration came through loud and clear when he refused to come on as a late substitute in last week's win over Tottenham, before walking down the tunnel early. 

As a result, Ten Hag left Ronaldo out of his squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on August 12, 2022 in Manchester, England

Ten Hag dropped Ronaldo from his squad after the incident against Spurs.  (Image credit: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

The incident has sparked fresh speculation about the veteran’s future, after a summer where he was unable to find a move to a club competing in the Champions League.

Chelsea were among the teams to be credited with an interest then, and the Daily Mail (opens in new tab) reports that they are again weighing up a bid ahead of the mid-season transfer market.

Owner Todd Boehly’s good relationship with Jorge Mendes, the agent of Ronaldo, could play a part.

Former Blues manager Thomas Tuchel was opposed to the move in the summer, but he has since been sacked and successor Graham Potter’s take on the potential arrival of Ronaldo is unknown.

Cristiano Ronaldo shows his frustration after a missed chance against Omonia Nikosia in the Europa League.

Ronaldo has just two goals to his name this season.  (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ronaldo has scored one goal in eight Premier League games this season, starting just twice.

United’s win over Spurs in his absence was widely praised as their best performance under Ten Hag, while the draw against Chelsea left them in fifth, one point outside the top four.

More Manchester United stories

Speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United future has intensified after he refused to come on against Tottenham in midweek, but one club have ruled themselves out of a move – and taken a dig at the superstar for his latest strop (opens in new tab). However, Erik ten Hag wants the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to see out his contract at Old Trafford (opens in new tab). 

It has also emerged that Ronaldo didn't receive a single vote for this year's Ballon d'Or (opens in new tab), as he finished outside the top three for the first time since 2005.

Meanwhile, United are reportedly prepared to fight it out with Chelsea and PSG to sign Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar (opens in new tab) – and have been linked with a mega-money move for Atletico Madrid and Portugal forward Joao Felix (opens in new tab).

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Alasdair Mackenzie

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.