Ralf Rangnick suggested selling Cristiano Ronaldo in January, but club hierarchy blocked it

There were said to be several emails and messages on this topic

Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick reportedly suggested to club executives that Cristiano Ronaldo should have been sold during the January transfer window. It comes after reports that the 37-year-old has expressed a wish to leave the club ahead of the new season if United receive a 'satisfactory offer' for him. As reported by The Athletic, the German coach, who took over the reins at Old Trafford last season following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, publicly stated that no player should be kept against his will. It is thought that Rangnick held conversations with football director John Murtough and chief executive officer Richard Arnold about Ronaldo, and suggested that the Portuguese international should be sold, and replaced, during the January transfer window. The report adds that there were several messages and emails on the topic.

Rangnick felt Ronaldo did not represent the club's long-term success

Given that Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford was uncertain beyond the end of the campaign, Rangnick felt that it made sense to replace the forward, sooner rather than later. Moreover, the 64-year-old believed that the Red Devils would've been better signing an attacker more suited to his high-pressing style, and that Ronaldo did not represent the club's long-term success. However, Murtough and Arnold resisted Rangnick's suggestions. Despite this, Rangnick still insisted in his press conferences that the Red Devils should look to sign a new forward, even if Ronaldo remained at the club.

Ronaldo absent from Man United training

On Monday, it was confirmed that the Portugal international would not return to training due to family reasons. The Red Devils' international players had been given an extended summer break and were scheduled to meet up with the rest of the squad on Monday to begin their preseason training. Ronaldo was amongst those expected to return, but informed the club he will not be present on the first day due to family reasons. United have accepted his explanation. Related links:

• Cristiano Ronaldo will not return to Manchester United training on Monday
• Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Man United and the club shouldn’t stand in his way
• Cristiano Ronaldo asks to leave Manchester United if club receive ‘satisfactory offer’

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