Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a sensational return to Manchester United ahead of this season and although his side have endured a disastrous campaign, the Portugal international’s goalscoring record remains impressive.
Ronaldo has scored 24 goals in all competitions this season, with 18 of those strikes coming in the Premier League, where United are poised to finish on their worst-ever points tally.
The 37-year-old has one year remaining on the two-year deal he signed last year but Reds legend Paddy Crerand has now backed the superstar forward to extend that agreement.
“I think the greatest thing about Cristiano – and I have known him since he was here as a kid – is that he has always looked after his fitness,” Crerand is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
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“That is the first thing he has always looked after and that’s why he is playing at this age. He could play for another two or three seasons, I think, without a problem.
“He is such an inspiration as well to the people around about him. You just think, ‘what a player he is’. He is up there with the greatest players who have played, anywhere, never mind just here at United. He has scored 24 goals this season – isn’t that incredible? It’s incredible that he can do that.”
SN’s verdict…
Erik ten Hag, the incoming manager at United, has quite the job on his hands this summer and wholesale changes to the playing squad are expected, with a striker believed to be on the Dutchman’s wishlist.
That would most likely be down to the lack of options, however, rather than an attempt to seal an upgrade on what’s already at his disposal.
Mason Greenwood’s legal case was a huge blow to Ralf Rangnick’s ability to rotate his squad and Marcus Rashford’s form has been questionable. Furthermore, Jadon Sancho has struggled to adapt to the Premier League whilst Anthony Elanga is still a teenager.
Ronaldo is likely to be in Ten Hag’s plans and should he keep this goalscoring form up next season, there is no reason to dismiss any idea of a contract extension, irrespective of age.
