Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United.

A report from The Times broke on Saturday claiming the Portuguese star asked the club to leave this summer.

Man Utd fans would have been wishing their information was wrong.

But when Ronaldo failed to turn up to pre-season training on Monday and Tuesday due to 'family reasons', their worst fears were confirmed.

Given United's terrible 2021/22 campaign as they finished sixth and failed to qualify for Champions League football, you can understand why Ronaldo wants to leave.

However, many supporters are annoyed that he's waited until July to make his intentions known when it was clear weeks before the end of last season that the club wouldn't be qualifying for Champions League football.

But not every Man United fan is blaming Ronaldo right now.

A certain Mark Goldbridge has come out in defence of the 37-year-old in a video that has gone viral.

Goldbridge, who often divides opinion with his strong opinions, has passionately defended Ronaldo for his decision.

VIDEO: Mark Goldbridge defends Cristiano Ronaldo

"We've embarrassed ourselves," he declared. "I don't think many fans, I don't think the club themselves realise what a massive embarrassment this is. One of the club's legends comes back for a year, sees how bad things are and says 'You know what, this ain't Manchester United.'"

"And anybody who says it shows he's not a legend because he doesn't want to stay and fight, hold on a minute. Don't make yourself out to be the idiot you just have. How can you say Ronaldo doesn't love this club if he wants to leave?

"He doesn't recognise this club. Just like you don't recognise this club.

"We all love Manchester United. Ronaldo loves Manchester United and he certainly loves you, the fans. He is playing underneath people who own that club who he does not recognise. Who he knows are not ambitious. The Glazers own Manchester United. Not you, not Ronaldo, the Glazers own Manchester United and show no ambition.

"Cristiano Ronaldo loves Manchester United and he certainly loves you, the fans, but he sees it day in day out from behind closed door what a mess it is.

"Trust me, behind closed doors that club is an absolute joke. Within every department there are people who would verify that if they weren't scared of losing their job.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has sat there over the summer and gone 'What is this club doing?', just like you have."

Ronaldo's next step is unknown.

Both Barcelona and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner but it remains to be seen whether they'll make an offer.

Whatever happens, can you really blame one of the greatest ever players not wanting to spend another 12 months at Old Trafford?