Transfer Centre

Cristiano Ronaldo included in Manchester United kit launch

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 July 2022

Ronaldo included in Man United kit launch

Cristiano Ronaldo is included in the video to launch Manchester United's new kit, despite speculation regarding his future at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have opted to retain Cristiano Ronaldo in the official video to launch their new kit.

Since the weekend, speculation has persisted regarding the long-term future of the 37-year-old who has spent less than a year back at Old Trafford.

The club legend is said to have requested an exit courtesy of the club missing out on Champions League football for 2022-23, a demand which has officially been rejected by the United hierarchy.

However, having missed his planned return to training due to family reasons and United subsequently leaving him out of the first leg of their pre-season tour, talk continues regarding a potential exit.

Nevertheless, United have not made any changes to their official kit launch video, keeping the Portuguese superstar in the 30-second package which went out on Friday morning.

The collar is 🔙

How will you wear yours? 🔴#MUFC || @adidasFootball
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 8, 2022

That decision comes at a time when Ronaldo is said to be attracting interest from United's Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Although the Red Devils will naturally be against selling a star player to the Blues, it has been claimed that the world champions are preparing to put forward a £14m proposal.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has already held discussions with super-agent Jorge Mendes, while Thomas Tuchel is said to have given the green light to an approach.

As it stands, it is unclear whether United will be prepared to contemplate any formal offers, although head coach Erik ten Hag will not want the situation to distract from his plans for the new season.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United in February 2022 © Reuters

The former Ajax boss is said to have welcomed the opportunity to work with Ronaldo, a player who scored 24 goals from 38 appearances in all competitions last season.

However, United also need to determine who will lead the line heading into 2022-23, their options further limited by the departure of Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial having spent the past year out of form.

Ten Hag is allegedly willing to hand an opportunity to the latter, aware that United are unlikely to generate much interest in a player who struggled during a loan spell at Sevilla earlier this year.

While Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is also said to be on United's radar, the Premier League giants would likely have to stump up in excess of £90m to sign the Nigeria international.