Cristiano Ronaldo Rumored To Leave Manchester United On Free Transfer In January

Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United may be headed towards a breakup soon after it was made public that he will not be joining the team this Sunday, October 23 against Chelsea.

Moreover, he is now rumored to be on the transfer list.

Following his walkout against the Tottenham Hotspurs, Ronaldo addressed the matter on his social media and blamed it on the "heat of the moment".

However, his excuse was not received well by fans and the Sky Sports panel unanimously agreed that leaving the team before the final whistle blew was disgraceful and disrespectful to both Manchester United and to the sport.

Shortly after it was announced that Ronaldo will not be joining the team in any capacity against Chelsea on Sunday, a report suggested that he is on his way out.

"Club sources have told that an exit strategy is being considered, and if no suitor can be found by super-agent Jorge Mendes, United may be willing to cut their losses and let him go on a free in January," Peter Hall of iNews wrote.

"No decision has been made as to what to do with sulking Ronaldo in the long term as yet, with the dust still to settle after Wednesday's nadir in the relationship. But the fact the club may be even willing to get him off the books, and take such a big loss, tells you all you need to know about where we are at in the saga."

The International Business Times could not independently verify the report.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag did not want to publicly address the issue during the post-match conference, but incessant questioning by reporters forced the Dutchman to say that he will "deal" with it.

Leaving Ronaldo at home against Chelsea may be ten Hag's way of telling Ronaldo that no one is bigger than him or the team.

If Ronaldo were to be sent out of Manchester United on a free transfer, it would be a disappointing end to what many believed was a match made in heaven after reuniting last summer.

However, it may be the best-case scenario for both sides as ten Hag is leaning in heavily on his current crop of youngsters led by Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial while Ronaldo only started in two English Premier League games.

Manchester United as a whole will need to brace themselves for the public relations nightmare that it will be if they do let go of Ronaldo for free.