Cristiano Ronaldo’s fateful return to Manchester United has not gone to plan. Now the legendary forward is, rightfully, ready to leave after just one season.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League and will now play in the Europa League instead of the Champions League because of that poor finish last season.

37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo does not want to play in the second-tier competition after not EVER playing in a continental competition lower than the Champions League in his entire career.

His desire to leave is not only justified but warranted at this point.

To win more trophies

Ronaldo owes Manchester United nothing.

He announced himself to the world when he won the Champions League, the Premier League three times, the league cup twice, and the Community Shield.

He also won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, just under a year before he left to join Real Madrid.

Ronaldo returned to United last summer after a failed experiment in Italy with Juventus for two reasons. First, he wanted to prove he was still playing at an elite level and second, to honor his former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart,”he saidwhen the announcement of his return was made.”I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again. I’m looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead.”

Without Ronaldo on the pitch, Man U would have likely finished 10th or lower. Given the composition of the current squad, the lack of new signings, and the introduction of new manager Erik ten Hag, I don’t see this year’s United team fairing much better.

If Ronaldo wants to win more titles before he calls it quits, that’s more than understandable!

Lionel Messi – after being forced to leave FC Barcelona – moved to Paris Saint-Germain. The hefty contract sure played a part in helping the deal happen, but more than anything, he knew he could win more titles with the French giants.

A lack of direction at the club

I keep seeing Manchester United fans all over social media say that ten Hag is going to change everything from the club culture to the formation, to the play style, to the form.

For Manchester United to return to its height, they will need to do a lot more than just add a good manager.

If it was as simple as the fans are making it out to be, every club would do it!

United need fresh faces throughout the squad and they need to clean out some dead weight. When Harry McGuire is not just in the squad still but named captain of the team, something is very wrong.

Don’t forget that Anthony Martial is back, but not wanted, the midfield outside of perhaps only Bruno Fernandes is a mess, and ten Hag’s top target – fellow Dutch international and player for ten Hag at Ajax Frenkie de Jong – can’t be purchased from Barca because the club owes the players millions in salary!

If you are hating on Ronaldo for wanting to get out of a terrible situation while he is still playing at a high level, you are either a United sympathizer or a Messi fan.

Let Cristiano Ronaldo finish out his career where he wants!