Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is set to remain with Manchester United through the start of the fall World Cup.
What happens beyond that is anybody’s guess.
As Rob Dawson pointed out for ESPN, the summer transfer window closed on Thursday with Ronaldo still attached to United. The 37-year-old reportedly was keen on joining a team playing in the UEFA Champions League competition but couldn’t secure a move before Thursday’s deadline.
It was reported Wednesday that United never “received substantial approaches from major Champions League clubs” for Ronaldo. United manager Erik ten Hag previously insisted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was in his plans for this season and reiterated such claims on Wednesday. Ten Hag then confirmed Ronaldo’s status following Thursday’s 1-0 win over Leicester City.
“As we said [he has stayed],” Ten Hag remarked about CR7. “It is really early in the season. We have a squad, more than 11 starting players and that is what you see now. Players on the bench can play in two to three weeks.”
Ronaldo didn’t start Thursday but came on in the 68th minute of the match. Meanwhile, United have won three straight Premier League games after losing their first two and are now fifth in the table.
Regardless of anything that occurred over the past couple of months, Ronaldo and Ten Hag likely will need each other until the Qatar World Cup begins in November. The Portugal captain will want to be fully fit and in his best form, and Ten Hag should wish to utilize somebody who scored 24 goals across all competitions for the club just last season.
United next host Arsenal (first place with five wins in five games) at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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