Manchester United 'deny Cristiano Ronaldo could have contract terminated'

Manchester United have reportedly denied that Cristiano Ronaldo could have his contract terminated unless he changes his attitude and behaviour at the club.

The 37-year-old has been attempting to leave Old Trafford this summer, but there is not currently an obvious suitor for the Portugal international, so he could be forced to remain at the club.

Ronaldo was named in the starting side for Man United's Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday, but he could not prevent his team from suffering a 4-0 defeat.

The forward cut a frustrated figure at the final whistle, and according to Sky Sports News, the 20-time English champions could decide to terminate his contract if he does not change his attitude.

Ronaldo's existing deal in Manchester is due to run until next June, although the club have the option of activating an additional 12 months until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

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According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Man United have insisted that they are not considering terminating the striker's contract.

Luckhurst claims that the club's position on Ronaldo has not changed, with the former Sporting Lisbon youngster not for sale despite his desire to seek pastures new.

The forward did not applaud Man United's travelling fans at Brentford on Saturday, while he also did not shake hands with the club's head coach Erik ten Hag before he left the field.

Ronaldo is believed to have informed the club of his desire to leave at the start of July but potential suitors in the shape of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain ruled themselves out of the running.

Talk of a switch to Atletico Madrid has also quietened in recent days, with it appearing increasingly likely that the Portuguese will remain at Old Trafford this summer.

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Ronaldo missed Man United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia in July due to a personal issue, but he returned to Carrington late last month and has now been involved in their opening two matches of the 2022-23 Premier League season.

The forward came off the bench in last weekend's 2-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, while he played the full 90 minutes against Brentford, with Man United now bottom of the Premier League table.

Ronaldo scored 24 goals and registered three assists in 37 appearances for the Red Devils last season, but a disappointing campaign for the club saw them finish sixth in the table, meaning that they will not play in the Champions League this term.

Anthony Martial could be fit for Man United's next Premier League match against Liverpool on August 22, while the club are also working to bring in another forward, with Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata said to be an option.