Manchester United have had their fair share of controversy and negative headlines this season, especially surrounding the culture at the club and the ongoing reported issues in the dressing room, and they could now be about to take a huge hit ahead of next season as new information emerges on Cristiano Ronaldo's future.

What's the word?

Reliable journalist Jacque Talbot took to Twitter to make a bold claim about the current situation for the 37-year-old and what his next moves are likely to be after he was notably missing from the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.

Talbot tweeted: "Understand if Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently in Portugal, moves in the summer it will most likely be to PSG. A lot depends on Manchester United if reach a Champions League spot this season. A new manager won't change matters if they fail to get the top four."

Supporters will be fuming

The ever-growing storm cloud which covers Old Trafford may well burst this summer, and whilst supporters of the club may have been expecting this to happen for months, it will surely hurt the fanbase to lose such an iconic and influential player who gives them not only hope for success in the future, but reminds them of what the club was about when he joined back in August 2003.

Fans must be furious with the current state of the club for many reasons, but losing Ronaldo due to a lack of Champions League football would sting even further. The veteran's prospective departure from the club could have a severe knock-on effect for the Red Devils when it comes to appointing a top manager in the summer and attempting to attract world-class players to join a club without Champions League football and without Ronaldo.

With that being said, it is essential for the Glazers and Ralf Rangnick to implement some damage control and prepare for the 37-year-old's potential departure ahead of the summer. Although United still have genuine hope to finish in the top four this season, they should not be hiding from the potential repercussions if they fail in that mission.

With Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and now Cristiano Ronaldo all heavily linked with moves away from the club this summer, the Red Devils could find themselves in a much weaker position than they are in now if they don't meticulously plan for the immediate future.

In other news: Gary Neville reveals his theory on Man Utd's managerial search