Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has explained why the German champions turned down the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
The Bundesliga champions were one of the first clubs to be linked with the Portugal international when he allegedly told Manchester United that he wanted to leave during the current transfer window.
However, despite losing Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, Bayern decided against a move for the 37-year-old, who has thus far been unsuccessful in his attempts to leave Old Trafford.
Salihamidizic has revealed that the club's board voted against moving for Ronaldo this summer for both sporting and financial reasons.
"When you now see how our attack is equipped - even without Robert Lewandowski - it's just difficult from a sporting and financial point of view," Salihamidzic told BILD's Phrasenmaher podcast.
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"We have eight players for four positions upfront. We have established top players who are in the prime of their footballing age.
"We have talent that we want to give playing time too, so we all voted to go through with our plan. So that (signing Ronaldo) was out of question for us. We are very happy with how we're equipped."
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Real Madrid are also believed to be among the clubs to have rejected the chance to sign Ronaldo, who is desperate to continue playing in the Champions League.
The former Sporting Lisbon youngster has been involved in Man United's first three matches of the Premier League season against Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Liverpool.
However, he was only on the bench against Liverpool on Monday evening, ultimately featuring as a late substitute in his side's 2-1 victory over Jurgen Klopp's side at Old Trafford.
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Ronaldo continues to be linked with a move away from the club, but there is not an obvious suitor for the attacker, who could now remain in Manchester, at least until the January transfer window.
Speaking after the victory over Liverpool, Man United boss Erik ten Hag insisted that the Portuguese can still be an important player for the Red Devils this term.
"I think he can (adapt), and in his whole career and under several managers, he did. Several styles and systems. He always performed. Why can't he do this?" said the Dutchman.
"His age is not an issue. If you are young, you are good enough, and when you are old, you still deliver the performance, you are also good enough."
Ronaldo scored 24 times for Man United last season, including 18 in the Premier League, but he is yet to find the back of the net in three outings this term and faces a battle to make the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Southampton at St Mary's.
Matt Law
