The two Manchester United players now up for sale following Ronaldo arrival
Ronaldo returns
In a whirlwind 48 hours, Cristiano Ronaldo went from seemingly nailed-on to be joining Manchester City to his return to Old Trafford being announced by Manchester United’s social media team, as the man once again became a Red Devil.
Cristiano Ronaldo has passed his medical in Lisbon. Expectation is #mufc will announce deal within next 36 hours. Squad number could also be confirmed before transfer deadline https://t.co/mnMXd6yHWW
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 30, 2021
As per the Athletic, the forward is thought to have set United back 15 million euros, with an additional 8 million euros in add-ons, while wages are, of course, undisclosed but understandably hefty.
🚨 Manchester United on verge of reaching total agreements for signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus. Transfer fee understood to be €15m + €8m in add-ons. Edinson Cavani not expected to leave #MUFC. W/ @lauriewhitwell @JamesHorncastle @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/JnpEstWnsR
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 27, 2021
Two players now for sale
Of course, signing Ronaldo has a knock-on effect within the squad, with the Portuguese star unlikely to be left on the bench too often. This means that there will be far more competition for places elsewhere, and with Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho also nailed on starters, something (or in this case two things) has to give.
One of those to give is Dan James, with the Red Devils open to a sale or even a loan move for the Welsh winger. Bitter rivals Leeds United are thought to be among the frontrunners for his signature at present.
The other man thought to be free to depart Old Trafford? None other than West Ham target Jesse Lingard. As per Samuel Luckhurst, of the Manchester Evening News:
“Manchester United are open to selling Jesse Lingard before Tuesday’s transfer deadline as they look to trim their squad size”
United open to loaning/selling James and Lingard now Ronaldo is coming back #mufc https://t.co/vKSPsJdH0V
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 30, 2021
It is unclear where Lingard could end up, with West Ham now pursuing a deal for CSKA Moscow’s Nikola Vlasic having been left frustrated in their attempts to sign the Englishman all summer. Could they add Lingard too?
