Manchester United must let Cristiano Ronaldo leave on a free transfer this summer after his 'damaging and undermining' behaviour - Jamie Carragher

 Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher has urged Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag to speak to the club's board to release Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer.

The Portuguese wantaway star has been publicly seeking a departure, eager to join another club in the Champions League.

 

Carragher believes Ten Hag would send a powerful message to his Red Devils camp that no player is more important than the Manchester United manager, if Ronaldo leaves.

Writing for the Telegraph, the ex-Liverpool star described Ronaldo's actions as 'damaging and undermining', replacing the positivity often brought in by a fresh managerial appointment.

 

He referenced a line from Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography, urging Ten Hag to take note of the advice offered by the Old Trafford legend - 'The minute a Manchester United player thought he was bigger than the manager, he had to go.'

The ex-England international wrote: '[Ten Hag] has been handed an extremely difficult and unwanted welcoming gift upon arriving from Ajax.

 

'Ronaldo’s presence is a legacy of United’s miscalculation bringing him back 12 months ago.

'I made my reservations known at the time. Everything since has confirmed the mistake.'