Gary Neville warns new Man Utd manager could force Ronaldo out – ‘He doesn’t take that too well’
Cristiano Ronaldo may not want to stay at Manchester United if the new manager brings in a high-pressing style of play, according to Gary Neville.
The Red Devils turned heads when re-signing the Portugal star from Juventus in the summer transfer window. Indeed, it looked as if former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had nailed his plan up front with £73million signing Jadon Sancho.
United have therefore faced criticism for throwing away that strategy and costing Solskjaer his job.
Ultimately, though, Ronaldo has helped Man Utd on numerous occasions this season. He led the side through to the Champions League last 16 with a number of high-profile goals. More recently, his hat-trick secured all three Premier League points against Tottenham.
He signed an initial two-year contract back at Old Trafford, but it remains unclear if he will stay. Firstly, there is the potential lack of Champions League football next season if United do not finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Furthermore, Neville has warned that whoever the new manager is may force a decision from Ronaldo.
“I’m unsure, it depends who the manager is and what the project is for the new manager,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“Does he want to build a young squad that’s athletic and progressive? Ronaldo can play in that – but if he wants to play every single week, which would seem to be the case, then it may be that the manager wants a fresh start.
Ronaldo could leave Man Utd
“He might want young players that are basically pressing high from the front and can create high level of play in that way.
“If he wants to play in a different way and can accept that he will have a great goalscorer in the team who is basically someone who has basically been the greatest goalscorer of all time then yes, there will be a position for him.”
Still, Neville added that Ronaldo, 37, continues to be professional with his recovery and commitment so he can play every week.
“But I think it would have to be a Ronaldo that would accept that he wouldn’t play every single week and there would be moments that he wouldn’t play and I think that’s the big thing.
“He doesn’t seem to take that too well, which is a good thing, he’s obviously driven and wants to play every single match.
“But I’m 50-50. And I’m not just 50-50 from a point of view of whether the club wants to keep him, but whether Cristiano wants to stay in Manchester and play at the club sort of into his 38th and 39th year.”
Man Utd need to find long-term successor
Despite Ronaldo continuing to prove his worth at 37, his storied career is ultimately coming to a close.
As such, Man Utd need to find a long-term option up front. Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland would be a good option, but Manchester City seem intent on signing him.
Reports have claimed that United have registered interest in Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international is 33 but has kept himself at the top of his game.
Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial could yet rediscover their best form and play as a striker under the new manager.
However, the pair look more like leaving Old Trafford as it stands.
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