Ronaldo’s return signals end for 23-year-old at Man United

Manchester United rocked the footballing world last week, with the news that five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was set to return to the club after more than a decade. 

The 36-year-old was heavily linked with rivals Manchester City in the days beforehand, and was expected to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

However, United surprised everyone by announcing that the Portugal international would return, subject to a medical.

With an international break ahead, Ronaldo’s second debut for the club will likely be against Newcastle United on September 11.

However, the news of Roanldo’s return seems to have signalled the end of the line at Old Trafford for one fellow forward.

According to the Daily Star, Welsh winger Dan James is now facing an imminent exit from the club, with his game time likely to reduce even further once Ronaldo arrives.

James has been a regular under Solskjaer but is likely to see his playing time reduce significantly.

The 23-year-old had reportedly been in line for a new contract after attracting interest from a number of clubs earlier this summer, but the arrival of Ronaldo will now force the Wales international to leave the club.

James is behind Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood Jadon Sancho in the pecking order at Old Trafford, and Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now apparently ready to let the player go.

Everton, Brighton, Leeds and Crystal Palace are all reportedly interested in James, who could be allowed to leave either on loan or permanently.

The former Swansea City man has scored nine goals and registered nine assists in 74 games for United, since joining from the Swans in 2019.