Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t look like he’ll be going anywhere this summer. After scoring 24 goals for Manchester United across all competitions, Erik ten Hag still considers him to be a player worth keeping. And, now, it’s possible the Portugal international will be given two new roles at the club.
Ronaldo’s future has been the subject of much debate ahead of the summer transfer window.
But Ten Hag dropped a hint the veteran would be staying at Old Trafford earlier in the week, labelling the 37-year-old as a ‘giant’ of the game.
"From tomorrow (Monday), my focus will be on United, and I will of course get deep into things there,” he said.
"What I have to say about it is, the detailed analysis still has to begin, I still have to work with the team, but let me be clear that at United there are a lot of good players around.
"We have to make them function as a team but definitely Ronaldo, he is a giant."
Ronaldo himself has also suggested he’ll be staying. So, now, it’s possible two role changes beckon.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is poised to keep Cristiano Ronaldo (Image: GETTY)
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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may give Cristiano Ronaldo the club's captaincy (Image: GETTY)
And that’s no surprise given how two players, at least, are expected to leave for pastures new.
Anthony Martial has regressed alarmingly this term, with the France international toiling for both United and Sevilla.
And Edinson Cavani will depart after two years with the Red Devils, with clubs from South America and La Liga keen to snap him up.
United have interest in Darwin Nunez, though their failure to qualify for the Champions League could count against them.
And they’ve also been put forward as potential suitors for the likes of Tammy Abraham and Victor Osimhen, too.
Ronaldo is accepting of the fact United want to land a new marksman.
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Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo could become a rotational forward under Erik ten Hag (Image: GETTY)
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So it’s possible that, even if he’s given the armband, he won’t play every single minute of every single match.
Speaking earlier this week, meanwhile, Ronaldo wished Ten Hag ‘all the best’ ahead of their work together at Old Trafford.
"What I know about him is he did a fantastic job for Ajax, that he's an experienced coach,” he said. “But we need to give him time.
"Things need to change the way he wants.
"I hope we have success, of course, because, if you have success, all of Manchester is going to have success as well. I wish him the best.
"We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let's believe that, next year, we are going to win trophies."