Three Bayern Munich players Manchester United could request in Cristiano Ronaldo swap deal

Manchester United's pre-season preparations and transfer plans have been thrown into disarray amid Cristiano Ronaldo's wish to leave the club in pursuit of Champions League football.

United, who will kick-off their pre-season programme next Tuesday against arch-rivals Liverpool in Bangkok, failed to qualify for the competition for the forthcoming campaign, finishing a disappointing sixth in the Premier League last season. It means that they'll compete in the Europa League.

Ronaldo has played in the Champions League for the last 19 seasons running, meaning it is understandable that he would want to secure the achievement of spending two decades playing in Europe's premier club competition. Furthermore, the Manchester Evening News understands that United's slow start to the transfer window and a salary reduction are among other reasons why he wants to leave.

READ MORE: Manchester United in the dark over Cristiano Ronaldo return date amid Chelsea links

Should he depart, it would leave a huge hole in United's squad, as they are already in need of a replacement for Edinson Cavani, who departed last month following the expiry of his contract. They would need a striker - and quick - but the likes of Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland have already been snapped up.

Although United are remaining firm in their stance on Ronaldo's future, insisting that he is not for sale, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have emerged as two of the early favourites to land his signature. With that said, MEN Sport has taken a close look at three players United, potentially, could request from Bayern in a swap deal that may see Ronaldo move to Munich.

Although United have strengthened their left-back options with the signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord,