Cristiano Ronaldo's "biggest factors" behind Man Utd exit plan identified

Former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy believes that Cristiano Ronaldo’s motivation to continue playing in the Champions League is among "biggest factors" for him wanting to leave Manchester United.

Last weekend, Ronaldo told the Red Devils that he would be open to leaving the club this summer if a suitable offer was to come in for him, just a year after leaving Juventus to join United following 12 years away from Greater Manchester.

However, if Ronaldo stays at United, he faces a first campaign since the 2002/03 season without Champions League football, with the Red Devils only qualifying for next season’s Europa League.

Ronaldo has played in the Champions League in each of the last 19 campaigns and holds the record for scoring the most goals in it, with 141 from 186 appearances in the competition and has scored 16 more goals than any other player in it.

Former Anfield midfielder Murphy, who played for Liverpool for seven years between 1997 and 2004, feels that the chance not to play in the Champions League or compete at the highest level next season for United are among the key reasons why Ronaldo wants to leave just 11 months after rejoining the club for an initial £12.85million fee.

Murphy, speaking on behalf of 888, told Mirror Football: “It seems to be. He is very focused on the records that he wants to achieve and the goals that he wants to score and the Champions League is the biggest platform to show your talents. He’s been a remarkable footballer and still is, he probably feels he’s got lots more to give.

“He probably looks at his season last season and thinks ‘I’ve scored 24 goals in a side that has struggled, what would I get in a side with a bit more quality around me and more