The Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga has created an undesirable atmosphere at Old Trafford, with much of the conversation regarding their 2022/23 season opener defeat against Brighton surrounding the Portuguese superstar and his future.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was named on the bench for that game and came on as a second-half substitute after the Red Devils went two-nil down after 40 minutes. Unfortunately, the 37-year-old was unable to inspire a comeback, with Ten Hag overseeing a 2-1 loss in his English top-flight debut.
Immediately after that loss, the continental giants returned to the transfer window in search for a short-term striker, bidding for Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic. That move did not materialize and the future of Cristiano continues to be a frustration for the Old Trafford higher-ups as the player looks to force an exit despite there being no concrete offers from top European teams.
And according to the latest reports, it isn't only the Theatre of Dreams board growing tired of Cristiano and his antics. A report by the Sun claims that even the Manchester United dressing room is fed up with the situation, with some preferring to see the goalscorer leave than dragging on this standoff.
Ronaldo has his supporters in the dressing room, it should be noted. However, a source at the club states that many aren't happy with how the attacker is conducting himself, having missed out on the majority of pre-season due to "family reasons" before leaving Old Trafford early after being subbed off in the one friendly that he featured in.
"It is really starting to annoy a lot of players now.
"He does have his allies in the camp but a lot are fed up with how he is going about things."
Manchester United appear reluctant to sell, and while Ten Hag criticized Ronaldo publicly for leaving the Rayo Vallecano game before full-time, the Dutchman has also reiterated that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is their player. Only time will tell whether he remains with the UEFA Europa League side or not, but with Benjamin Šeško having joined RB Leipzig, the Red Devils' options aren't looking great.
