Date: 17th October 2022 at 10:24am
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Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle United on Sunday, increasing the gap between The Red Devils and the Champions League qualification places. 

Erik ten Hag’s side dominated the possession at Old Trafford but created very few chances to show for it.

The Dutchman gave Cristiano Ronaldo just his second Premier League start of the season but the forward was unable to get on the scoresheet before being substituted in the 72nd minute.

Ronaldo, 37, scored his only league goal of the season so far last time out against Everton, but has played more minutes in the Europa League than the Premier League so far this term.

The Portuguese has reportedly become frustrated at his situation and is looking to leave the club, although he has so far failed to find a move.

Now, Newcastle appear to have become the latest club to snub a move for the forward.

As reported by 90min, Magpies boss Eddie Howe has ruled out signing the player due to his age.

The Portugal international returned to Old Trafford last summer – 12 years after leaving the club – and enjoyed a successful season.

He netted 24 times in 38 games across all competitions, but he allegedly decided he wanted to leave over the summer after United failed to qualify for the Champions League.

A number of teams, including Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, were linked with the player, but he failed to secure a move and remains a United player.

Eddie Howe has dismissed rumours that Newcastle could make a shock move for Ronaldo

Now, Howe has dismissed the suggestion that Newcastle may make a move for Ronaldo.

“We’re trying to provide long-term growth, we’ve got a longer-term vision,” Howe responded to reporters when questioned about the possibility of signing Ronaldo.

“At the moment, we have quite an ageing squad, so we need to invest more in young players.

“That’s probably a big part of our progression, we need to get the average age down.

“So, it might not be a signing that we would necessarily look to make, but that’s not under-estimating the quality of the player.”

The former Bournemouth manager also insisted that Ronaldo’s return to United has been a success.

“He’s an outstanding player. You look at his goal record last year, that was incredible. So, for me, the transfer has worked, it’s been a success.”

Ronaldo, whose strike against The Toffees last weekend was his 700th club career goal, has found himself on the bench more often that not this season, with Ten Hag claiming that it is partly due to the player missing part of pre-season.

The forward was late to report for pre-season over the summer, citing ‘personal reasons’, and he now appears to be behind the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in the pecking order.

Ronaldo’s current contract is set to expire next summer, so the player would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from January onwards.

 
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