has refused to reveal whether he would be interested in signing outcast if the opportunity were to arise in January.
The 37-year-old’s future at Old Trafford is back under the microscope following his latest act of defiance during the closing stages of Wednesday’s win over Tottenham when he refused to come on as a late substitute.
Erik ten Hag insists the former superstar remains part of his immediate plans, despite axing him from the first team squad ahead of Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash against Chelsea.
The Blues were among a crop of heavyweight European clubs that considered signing Ronaldo during the summer when it became apparent he was ready to leave the Theatre of Dreams less than 12 months after his emotional homecoming.
Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly was keen to bring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to west London but Potter’s predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, was less keen and his stance on Ronaldo played a part in the deterioration of his relationship with the American tycoon.
Asked if Boehly were to present him with the chance to add Ronaldo to the Chelsea forward line, Potter told Sky Sports: ‘I never speak about players that aren’t’ Chelsea players.’
On his relationship with Boehly, he added: ‘I’d say the relationship is very close with Todd and all the owners.
‘We’re in contact regularly specifically with Todd, once a week I would say just for a catch-up to talk about football but it’s also about life as well and I think we share similar values.
‘Different career paths obviously but a lot of similarities in terms of how we see the world, he’s been supportive really positive and I’ve enjoyed working with him.’
Chelsea will encounter a United team transformed from the one Potter faced earlier in the season when he was still in charge of Brighton and masterminded a 2-1 victory.
The Chelsea manager added: ‘They’re Manchester United, they’ve invested a lot of money over a number of windows to assemble a squad of huge quality and whoever plays for Manchester United they’re top players.
‘We understand that but we have to be ready ourselves, we’re looking forward to the game it’s against a top team but we need to show our quality as well and that’s what they’re their for.’
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