Cristiano Ronaldo has been a standout player for Manchester United this season. Despite the questions about how he would fit into United’s style of play, his homecoming has been successful from a personal point of view.
The Portuguese superstar, while not as prolific compared to previous seasons, has still been instrumental as he has weighed in with 18 goals, which is almost a third of United’s overall Premier League goal tally this term (57).
However, with a top-four spot out of reach for United, they look destined to miss out on a coveted Champions League berth for next term. Erik ten Hag will take over from Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season, but he has a big in-tray of tasks.
Resolving Ronaldo’s future will be high on Ten Hag’s list of priorities, and there is no guarantee that the 37-year-old will stay as he will seek to have one final big payday at one of Europe’s superpowers before finally hanging up his boots.
But were Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford after the summer, then Rangnick has recognised that Ronaldo needs help to alleviate the goalscoring burden off his shoulders. Edinson Cavani will be out of contract and he could leave as a free agent, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial’s long-term futures remain uncertain.
When asked about whether Ronaldo will remain with the Red Devils, Rangnick said: “Cristiano isn’t a central striker or does not want to play in that position.
“It’s obvious the club needs to sign at least two strikers who give this team more quality and more options. I wouldn’t even call it wingers.
“Two strikers and modern strikers that do not necessarily have to be wingers. If you look into international football, there aren’t many top teams who still play with two strikers. Most play with either three strikers or a false nine.”
Ronaldo is universally adored and he is a cultural icon as much as he is a football legend. He could be at the centre of another transfer saga during the summer window and from a betting perspective, he is likely to spark significant interest. In countries, such as Bangladesh, India, and the UK, you are likely to encounter offers at many of the best betting sites, such as bet365 and William Hill, where you will see them scramble to offer transfer specials, such as which club a player might join next.
In the case of Ronaldo, it will be fascinating to see how talks with Ten Hag go and whether he can be convinced to stay at least for another season. United will need to flex its financial muscle and show its ambition in the summer transfer window if they are going to attract top players.
Of course, United are still a work in progress, but if Ronaldo does end up staying, then it will be one of the club’s best bits of business to date, and undoubtedly a deal that will delight the fans.
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