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Inter Miami owner David Beckham has reportedly opened talks with Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo over a proposed move to the MLS.
The 37-year-old Portugal international is in the headlines after launching a scathing attack on the Red Devils and has strongly criticised manager Erik ten Hag, the Glazer family and several board members during an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
Ronaldo claims that he feels “betrayed” by Man United and has also said that he does not “have respect” for Ten Hag.
Man United are believed to be ‘hugely disappointed’ by the comments made in Ronaldo’s interview and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner may have played his final game for the club.
The Red Devils released a statement on Monday, shortly after clips of Ronaldo’s interview were first released, which said that they “will consider its response after the full facts have been established.”
Ten Hag has allegedly told Man United that Ronaldo should never play for the club again, while the 20-time top-flight champions are also said to be exploring the possibility of sacking their No.7.
Should Ronaldo be released by Man United, The Sun reports that Beckham’s Inter Miami are keen to lure the Portuguese legend to the USA, as are fellow MLS outfits Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC.
The report adds that Beckham has held talks with Ronaldo’s representatives and has been informed that the forward would be interested in joining the club.
Miami, who are managed by Ronaldo’s former Man United teammate Phil Neville, are believed to be in the market for a new striker after Argentine veteran Gonzalo Higuain retired from football at the end of the MLS season last month.
Beckham is also said to be interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi, who like Ronaldo is out of contract next summer.
The England legend refused to rule out the prospect of recruiting either or both of the legendary forwards when questioned about his transfer plans last year.
“I have said from day one that our academy system is a massive part of this club and if we can bring players through here that have lived and breathed Inter Miami then that is the goal,” Beckham told reporters.
“But we also know that being in Miami, our fans want to see the big stars. We already have players like Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi who add to the glitz and glamour but also going forward we want to have the opportunity to bring some great names in.
“Leo and Cristiano have been mentioned (in the question just asked), they have been at the top of their game and been the best for the last 15 years because of hard work. There is very little luck behind it.
“The player has to be right for the team, still have ambition and want to win. So whatever player we talk to, we have to make sure that is a priority. Of course, we always want to bring in great players. Miami is a great pull for anyone and those kinds of players (Messi and Ronaldo) are who we aspire to bring here.”
Miami are unlikely to face competition from either Bayern Munich or PSG for Ronaldo’s signature, as both European clubs allegedly have no interest in his services.