Cristiano Ronaldo unhappy with wage reduction clause he agreed last year

One of Cristiano Ronaldo's reason for wanting to leave Manchester United is to do with a clause he signed in his contract just a year ago.

It's nearly exactly a year ago that United fans were panicking and some even burning shirts, as Ronaldo looked on the verge of moving to rivals Manchester City.

Only late intervention from Sir Alex Ferguson and several former teammates led to Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford, but it hasn't really worked out.

It's pretty well known that the 37-year-old wants to leave United this summer, although with just a week left of the transfer window his departure is looking increasingly unlikely, even with one 'swap' deal recently reported.

One reason that the five time Ballon d'Or winner reportedly wants to leave is United's lack of Champions League football and a new report has given even more context.

Duncan Castles, writing in the Times, revealed that the clause which reduced his wages if the club didn't finish in the top four last season has annoyed the former Juventus striker.

Ronaldo has had to make do with being a substitute in three of United's four games. Image: Alamy

The report makes it seem like it's a bad thing that United 'expected,' literally the word used, to take the pay cut that was in his contract.

Call me crazy but if it was in his contract of course he had to take the reduction in his wage, it's not like it was suddenly thrown at him with no warning.

Castles adds that the former Real Madrid superstar should not have to take the pay cut because it wasn't his fault that United finished in sixth place.

After all he was the team's top goalscorer last season, with 18, and there obviously wasn't any more he could have done and football isn't a team sport so none of it was his fault.

Ronaldo may have to get used to sitting on the bench. Image: Alamy

Ronaldo hasn't had too many offers to give him his get out at United, with the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich at Atletico Madrid all linked but turning down the chance for one reason or another.

The only solid bid for the striker came from a club in Saudi Arabia, who were willing to give him a two year deal worth a ridiculous £210 million.

Instead Ronaldo, and Castles, will have to accept that he will most likely be playing for Erik ten Hag for the final year of his contract, any he's unlikely to be a guaranteed starter.

Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Cristiano Ronaldo, Premier League

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28