Cristiano Ronaldo 'not up to speed' and could leave in January

Manchester United's star striker could be off in January after a difficult start to the season

Posted Tuesday, September 13, 2022 by fourfourtwo.com

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo could reportedly leave in January after a lack of pre-season training left him off the pace under new boss Erik ten Hag.

The 37-year-old was the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer as he tried to join a Champions League club.

However, he was still a United(opens in new tab) player by the end of deadline day and now has his work cut out to regain a starting place at the Red Devils.

Marcus Rashford has been Ten Hag's preferred option up front, with the Portuguese starting just one Premier League game so far this season.

A source explained to the newspaper how players "loved it" when Ronaldo returned last term, but they were "frustrated" that he missed an intensely detailed pre-season.

That has meant the striker is "not up to speed" and "relying on instinct" this term.

"He needs to realise it's only going to work if he tunes into Ten Hag's plans," said the source.

Ronaldo has featured in every game for United so far this season, but only two of his seven appearances have been from the start.

He's yet to score a goal under Ten Hag, and couldn't find the net when he started in a 1-0 Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad last Thursday.

Ten Hag's methods seem to be taking hold at Old Trafford, as the Dutchman has overseen four consecutive wins in the Premier League following a difficult start.

United are fifth in the standings, three points behind leaders Arsenal(opens in new tab), and travel to Moldova to face Sheriff next on Thursday before returning to league duties at home to Leeds United on Sunday.