Manchester United’s decision to release Cristiano Ronaldo from his contract by mutual consent is a welcome move.
There was no way Ronaldo could have stayed at the club after criticising manager Erik ten Hag so publicly.
Ronaldo was clearly very happy to leave, because he has reportedly waived his remaining salary in order to secure his exit, The Mail report.
His contract was due to run until June 2023. The Telegraph had reported last week that United were only prepared to release Ronaldo if it involved cancelling his contract with no pay-off.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages off the salary bill
Ronaldo was being paid an approximate £500,000 per week. The Mail report his exit will save the club a staggering £16 million.
He was United’s highest paid player, and getting his salary off the books is a welcome move, especially as he was no longer a first choice starter.
David de Gea is the second highest paid player on £375,000 per week. His contract is up in the summer and a decision has not yet been made.
United released several high earners last summer including Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani.
It is unclear how the money saved on Ronaldo’s wage bill, will be re-directed.
United fans would like to see a new striker join the club in January, and this certainly becomes easier, with the financial millstone of Ronaldo’s contract no longer around United’s necks.
It would have been incredibly frustrating to see United release Ronaldo and still be stuck paying his salary, essentially paying him to play for another club.
The club and Ronaldo have dealt with this sensibly. Now all parties can move on.
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