Cristiano Ronaldo has become alarmed at the dip in standards at Manchester United since he left the club over 11 years ago
(Image: 2021 Manchester United FC)

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘alarmed’ at the dip in standards at Manchester United as Erik Ten Hag ‘reluctant’ to leave Ajax

Cristiano Ronaldo has become concerned over the drop in standards since he was last at the club as Erik Ten Hag does not fancy the idea of leaving Ajax in the middle of the season

by · Manchester Evening News

Welcome to the United On My Mind daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the best Manchester United stories which you might have missed.

Star signing and club legend Cristiano Ronaldo has become concerned by the difference in standards between his first and current spell at Old Trafford.

Many United fans would love Erik Ten Hag to be the next man in charge but the Dutchman hesitates to leave Ajax in the middle of the season.

And finally, forgotten man Phil Jones attracts interest from the richest club in world football.

Ronaldo a part of player revolt

After yet another disgraceful performance, this time to Manchester City, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to be under pressure which may be too much to handle. Often the final nail in the managerial coffin tends to be the players turning against the manager and this, according to reports, is exactly what’s happening at Old Trafford.

The Daily Mail has damningly reported Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘alarmed’ by the drop in standards since he first left the club back in 2009.

A worrying report considering Ronaldo has been recognised as the only player that has kept Solskjaer in the job with his array of important goals, particularly in the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly become shocked at the dip in standards at Old Trafford
(Image: Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

The report has also suggested Bruno Fernandes has become frustrated by the lack of direction from Solskjaer and despite the plan being to stick with the Norweigan until at least the end of the season, the humiliating defeats against Liverpool and Man City respectively have now changed things.

It's an encouraging time if you think Solskjaer isn’t the man for United. Worrying times if you’re the Norweigan.

Target Ten Hag delivers United blow

The MEN understands Solskjaer is still on borrowed time as United manager and although it looks unlikely to turn things around, the club are yet to identify an obvious replacement should they decide to make a change.

One name in which man United fans would love to see take over as Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag. Although relatively early on in his career, Ten Hag has attracted many plaudits through his exciting brand of football and boasts an impressive record with the Dutch club, winning two Eredivisie titles in the process.

However, The Sun has reported that the Dutchman is ‘reluctant’ to leave Ajax in the middle of the season- should United look to replace Solskjaer anytime soon.

This will leave many United fans disappointed but it’s a double-edged sword. Although Ten Hag would be a great appointment, to stick under current management until the end of the season could mean things get even worse at Old Trafford and many potential candidates for the job will be put off if United perhaps fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Next Manchester United Manager odds with Grosvenor Sport

Brendan Rodgers 6/4
Zinedine Zidane 6/1
Mauricio Pochettino 7/1
Erik Ten Hag 11/1
Laurent Blanc 20/1
Massimiliano Allegri 25/1
Rafael Benitez 25/1
Gareth Southgate 25/1
Julian Nagelsmann 25/1
33/1 bar
*odds subject to change

Get all the latest next Man United manager odds with Grosvenor Sport and get £30 in FREE BETS when you sign-up!

18+, new UK customers only, T&Cs apply

Introducing... United On My Mind

Just like you, we can’t get enough of Manchester United! That’s why we’ve decided to supplement our expansive United coverage on the Manchester Evening News with a more fan-oriented platform catered specifically to United fans - United On My Mind.

Writers and presenters who share your passion for the red side of Manchester will be producing written, visual and audio content to reflect the mood in the stands as well as the press box.

Follow our team on Twitter (@MikeParrott_, @GarrickOmar, @Casey_Evans_ and @AnilKandola)!

Newcastle approach Phil Jones

Since January last year, Phil Jones has not played in a competitive match for Manchester United. His injuries have been a nightmare and have set back the 29-year-old’s career massively.

With United signing Raphael Varane in the summer, Jones was shifted even further down the pecking order and to say his game time at Old Trafford is limited, would be the understatement of the year.

However, Jones has been offered a lifeline, as The Shield Gazzette reports, Newcastle United are amongst the clubs interested in signing the defender. After recently being taken over by new owners which sees them become the richest team in world football, Eddie Howe is set to take over as manager and sees Jones as a great option on a loan deal.

If this deal was to be completed, on a loan basis or otherwise, it seems to be a move in which would benefit all parties involved.

Who do you think should be the next Man United manager? Follow our United on my Mind trends writer Anil Kandola on Twitter and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below