Man United star Ronaldo linked with shock European move

Manchester United returned to winning ways on Thursday by beating Omonia Nicosia 3-2 in the Europa League group stages. 

Erik ten Hag’s side, who were beaten 6-3 by rivals Manchester City on Sunday, were far from convincing but ultimately prevailed against the Cypriot minnows.

A brace from Marcus Rashford and a goal from Anthony Martial secured all three points for The Red Devils, who remain second in Group E behind Spanish side Real Sociedad.

Cristiano Ronaldo started the game in Cyprus and, despite failing to score, did provide the assist for one of Rashford’s goals.

The Portuguese has struggled for game time this season, starting just one league match, and was an unused substitute during the Manchester derby loss over the weekend.

The forward has been heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford over the last few months, and now a new club is being linked with a shock move for the player.

As reported by Turkish outlet Fotomac via TalkSPORT, Galatasaray are interested in completing a sensational move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Ronaldo is believed to be unhappy at United

The report claims that the Super Lig side will go ‘all out’ to sign the 37-year-old in January, with club boss Erden Timur having been in regular contact with the player’s representatives.

The ex-Real Madrid man enjoyed a successful return to English football last season, scoring 22 goals in 34 matches across all competitions after returning to Manchester from Juventus.

This term has been a different story altogether, though, as the Portugal international has started just one league match – a 4-0 defeat against Brentford – as well as United’s three Europa League games.

During the recent transfer window, it was suggested that Ronaldo was pushing for a move to a club that would be able to offer him Champions League football, although Ten Hag insisted that he wanted the player to remain a part of his side.

Atletico Madrid and Chelsea were among the clubs linked with a move for Ronaldo over the summer, while a return to first senior side Sporting Lisbon was also touted.

The player ultimately stayed put, though, but he is believed to be becoming increasingly frustrated with his situation at United.

Ronaldo is believed to currently earn around £360,000-per-week, which could prove to be an obstacle for Galatasaray, who are extremely unlikely to be able to match that figure.

The Turkish side would also not be able to offer the player any form of European football this term, having failed to qualify for any competition after a disastrous 13th placed finish last season.