According to the UK Sun, if Manchester United wanted to remove Cristiano Ronaldo from their roster in January, they would have to pay him almost £10 million.

For the trip to Chelsea on Saturday, where the Red Devils played to a 1-1 draw, Ronaldo was benched.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, made the choice in response to allegations that the 37-year-old refused to leave the bench during last week's victory over Spurs.

Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford has become more clear in light of the entire incident.

However, United face a pay-off in the eight figures if they want to get rid of the player before his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

Ronaldo would earn around £9.6m in basic wages until June, regardless of any bonus payments for league placings or trophies.

But it is understood United have the option of tearing up his deal if he did indeed refuse to come on as a substitute and was deemed to be in breach of contract.