Cristiano Ronaldo demands Man Utd transfer exit due to 'Lionel Messi suspicions'

dailystar.co.uk:

Cristiano Ronaldo is seeking a Manchester United exit this summer out of fear that Lionel Messi will better his Champions League goalscoring record, according to Tony Cascarino.United appear to have a battle on their hands to retain the services of the club icon after it was revealed on Saturday that the Portuguese superstar has requested to leave Old Trafford in the current transfer window, less than a year after he made a sensational return.

It is thought the 37-year-old is keen to depart in order to play Champions League football next term - something which Erik ten Hag's team cannot offer.Following a catastrophic campaign last time out, United were left to settle for a spot in next season's Europa League.

Amid claims Ronaldo is desperate to see out the reminder of his playing days challenging for major honours, Cascarino declared he's "suspicious" the Red Devils forward is determined to quit in order to preserve his phenomenal goalscoring record in Europe's elite club competition.READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave Man Utd in January after realising huge mistakeThe United No.7 is the Champions League's all-time record goalscorer having hit a staggering 141 strikes over the past 19 seasons.

However, arch-rival Messi is just a mere 16 goals behind him.Unlike Ronaldo at present, the Argentine ace will have the opportunity to add to his individual tally within the competition next season with current side Paris Saint-Germain.