Ronaldo Wants To Quit Man United Because He Fears Messi Will Overtake Him As The All-time Record Champions League Goalscorer - Tony Cascarino

Tony Cascarino feels one key reason why Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United might be to prevent Lionel Messi from beating his Champions League goal record.

United are preparing for a season in the Europa League after finishing last season 13 points away from the Champions League in sixth after losing 12 games, the joint most in the club's Premier League history.

Ronaldo was a rare highlight, scoring 18 goals in the league and 24 across all competitions. But now he has told the club that he wants a transfer away this summer.

The 37-year-old managed six goals in seven Champions League appearances last season, extending his record tally to 141.

As often is the case in Ronaldo's career, Messi lurks close behind. The PSG star has 125 goals, and Ronaldo fears a year out of the Champions League may give his rival a chance to overtake him, according to Cascarino.

The former Gillingham and Chelsea striker told talkSPORT: 'Ronaldo is a player, as always, that has an ego.

'A lot of it is about him but the teams he's played in have been successful, so you always go with that as a team player.