Manchester United star threatened to force transfer then Super League news broke

Manchester United produced another trademark comeback in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, as Cristiano Ronaldo came to the rescue late on for the second consecutive European match. 

The Portuguese’s header completed a dramatic turnaround for the Red Devils, who had found themselves 2-0 down in the first half at Old Trafford.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire levelled things up, before Ronaldo produced another match winning moment to secure a 3-2 victory and easy the pressure on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United’s first goal, the one that sparked the turnaround, was set up by Bruno Fernandes, who has impressed in recent weeks despite Ronaldo’s arrival threatening to overshadow his importance to the team.

The midfielder has been talismanic for United since arriving in January 2020, and impressed against the Serie A side on Wednesday.

It has recently emerged, however, that the 27-year-old came close to departing United earlier this year.

According to The Athletic, the Portugal international threatened to force a move away from the club when news of their inclusion in the proposed European Super League broke.

Arsenal fans gathered outside the Emirates to protest about the proposed plans for a breakaway league

The plans included 12 of Europe’s most successful club sides, and proposed a league to replace current domestic divisions, something that Fernandes was incensed with.

The player was reportedly so infuriated by the news and United’s inclusion, that he considered demanding a transfer away if the plans went through.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool were also included in the plans, along with the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus.

Ultimately, all six English clubs included in the proposals withdrew their interest after widespread supporter demonstration, initially at Chelsea, and then at each of the clubs.

It is also reported that other players at the club wanted to voice their discontent at the idea, but were aware of a potential liability for £300 million of losses if their comments lead to the plans collapsing.