Cristiano Ronaldo set for Manchester United stay

Belief is growing at Manchester United that Cristiano Ronaldo will stay and buy into Erik ten Hag’s revolution.

It has been well documented all summer that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted out after last season, when United went a fifth year without winning a trophy and missed out on Champions League qualification.

The transfer deadline strikes at 11pm on Thursday night and Ronaldo is running out of time to find a new club.

Moreover, we have long known that his agent, Jorge Mendes, has been searching for a new club all summer – without much success because United have not received any serious offers for the 37-year-old.

This must come as a rude awakening for Ronaldo as he isn’t familiar with the feeling of being snubbed.

According to Neil Custis of The Sun, United’s hierarchy are hoping Ronaldo can see the ambition at United to get back to the top, with figures at the club believing he could make a dramatic U-turn.

The mood has reportedly changed following United’s spending spree in the summer transfer market.

On Tuesday, United announced their fifth signing after agreeing a deal with Ajax for Antony.

Ronaldo staying is good – only if he behaves

At 37, Ronaldo must learn his new role in the squad. He won’t find many Champions League teams willing to disrupt how they play for someone nearing the end of their career. This summer proved that.

Ronaldo can be a brilliant plan B to give United that cutting edge to finish in the top four, but I don’t think he will be starting every week under Ten Hag.

It makes sense to manage his game time this season and I don’t think it would be different at any other top club.

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