Pundit says Cristiano Ronaldo has to stay with Manchester United but reveals one big problem
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Roy Keane says Cristiano Ronaldo still has a huge role to play for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag next season, but fears he could still move on.
United have had another season to forget, missing out on the top four, and big changes are planned. Ten Hag is set to revamp his newly inherited squad with a host of players moving on. And it remains to be seen if Ronaldo will fit in to the Dutchman’s plans.
However following Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, Keane thinks he has to stay. Ronaldo saved the day once again with his 62nd-minute strike earning a point.
Without the Portuguese star, United’s season would have been an even bigger disaster. His goal against Chelsea was his 17th in the Premier League this season. He has scored 23 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions. And at the age of 37 he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Much has been made of the fact that Ronaldo does not fit in to a system that requires the players to press. But speaking on Sky Sports Keane says that does not matter if you are bagging the goals like Ronaldo.
Keane argues that Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy did not press much either. But they had players around them, himself included, that could. If ten Hag can develop something similar then there is still a role for Ronaldo.
However Keane has identified one big issue. Ronaldo will want to be playing week in, week out. If ten Hag does keep him on board he may not be able to guarantee that. Especially considering a new top-class striker is on his wanted list. Ronaldo may have to settle for a bit-part role.
“If you’ve got a player in the group who can score that amount of goals they have to be involved,” Keane revealed. “He will want to play week in week out, that will be the problem. When the manager comes, Ronaldo won’t hang around unless he’s playing week in week out.”
Keane also believes that had Ronaldo been in the Chelsea side this season he would have scored 50.
“He’s in a poor United side who aren’t creating many chances for him,” Keane added. “His touch, his movement, when you turn away you know it’s going to be a goal. Brilliant.
“In terms of goals, that’s what he came back for. He’s dependent on getting balls in the right areas and they’ve not been great at that this year but he’s still produced the goods.”
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