Cristiano Ronaldo heading for Manchester United exit after 'Operation Ferguson' fails

Manchester United had a plan to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to stay, but it appears to have failed as the Portugal star remains keen to leave Old Trafford this summer.

The club had set in motion 'operation Ferguson' to pre-empt the 37-year-old's official request to leave. However, with the player back in Manchester, little has changed.

According to reports in England, Sir Alex Ferguson was United's trump card in negotiations, but it didn't have the effect they were hoping for. The player does not wish to see out the second and final year of his contract.

Carrington showdown

Ronaldo, accompanied by his agent Jorge Mendes, was present at United's training complex in Carrington on Tuesday to hold discussions with the club about his future.

The open secret is that the former Real Madrid forward wants out as he's desperate to play in the Champions League and the English club cannot offer him that.

New head coach Erik Ten Hag is aware of Ronaldo's intentions, but remains optimistic about being able to count on the veteran this season. It now seems all but impossible that anyone will change the Portugal international's mind.

Jorge Mendes' presence

The fact that Ronaldo attended the meeting at Carrington with super agent Jorge Mendes present has been seen as a declaration of intent. On the other side of the table were Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold and Ferguson himself.

Operation Ferguson was a failure, however, with Ronaldo's former mentor unable to help the club convince him. The time he spent with his family after being excused from the club's tour of the USA was spent considering his future and his decision is a firm one.

A difficult market

The problem for all concerned, however, is that there is no easy route to an exit for Ronaldo. The necessity of playing in the Champions League limits his options. Chelsea, Bayern and Atletico Madrid have been rumoured as potential destinations, as few others could match his salary.

Atleti not off the table

As MARCA has previously reported, no one can say that Ronaldo will sign for Los Colchoneros, but neither can anyone say he definitely won't. Diego Simeone wants him and, if other circumstances fall into place, it cannot be ruled out.

A loan solution

One possible exit plan which is beginning to be talked about is the possibility that United could offer to extend Ronaldo's contract by a year to 2024, then loan him out this season. That would make an exit this summer easier and give both parties a chance to review their relationship next summer.