Paul Scholes slams Man Utd ‘circus’ amid Cristiano Ronaldo uncertainty

The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford last summer amid almost unprecedented hype and fanfare, following his decision to quit Juventus.

Although Ronaldo maintained his incredible personal goalscoring standards, United endured a miserable campaign which saw them collect their lowest ever Premier League points tally.

Erik ten Hag has been appointed as the club’s new manager but his summer rebuild has got off to a slow start, although Tyrell Malacia was confirmed as the club’s first signing of the Dutchman’s tenure on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, however, is said to be frustrated at the lack of progress United have made in the transfer window, while he also wants to be playing for a club in the Champions League.

United are said to be open to allowing Ronaldo to leave but would rather not sell to Premier League rivals Chelsea, although the list of clubs able and willing to pay his wages are limited.

Regardless of his future, Scholes hit out on social media, frustrated that the start to Ten Hag’s reign has already been overshadowed by speculation surrounding his star player.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘Let the circus begin.’

Scholes’ former teammate Gary Neville, meanwhile, echoed those sentiments and urged United’s key decision makers to come to a swift and decisive conclusion.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘The only important factor with the Ronaldo situation is that it’s dealt with decisively and quickly.

‘This can’t be a saga that takes the focus away from ETH bedding in period for the next two months.’

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