In many ways, Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United’s modern Ruud van Nistelrooy – the 2006 version of the Netherlands international, at least. A lethal and brilliant goalscorer, but outmatched by his younger teammates. And with less than 24 hours until the transfer window, it will be fascinating to see what happens.
Ronaldo informed United in June that he wanted to leave for a team that could offer him Champions League football, which the Red Devils cannot after finishing sixth last season.
He has since tried to orchestrate a departure, hoping that a big European club will come to his aid and also pay him his huge salary.
Except that didn’t happen. A player who is arguably the best the sport has ever seen is simply not worth the punt these days.
Despite his 24 goals in all competitions last season, Ronaldo is considered yesterday’s man. At 37, his best days are behind him – instead of ahead.
Erik ten Hag has been remarkably calm about it all in the public eye. On Tuesday, he claimed Ronaldo would stay, saying: “From the start we said we had planned with him.
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“We are happy with him, he is happy to be here and we want to make the season a success together.”
Asked about the Portugal international and himself having internal discussions, Ten Hag added: “Many times, yes. We are all on one page.
“The way of playing defines the requirements. You can see in training that he clearly has the ability.
“He’ll fit in because – I don’t have to explain myself. He’s such a great player. He’ll fit into any system or any style.
Ronaldo, it seems, is set on the idea of playing in the Europa League for the very first time. A competition he has never honored before during his brilliant career.
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But while United have publicly insisted they want him to stay, that’s a different story behind the scenes.
It has been widely reported that privately, Ten Hag is ready to offload the Portugal international all summer.
He believes the Ronaldo spectacle has become an unwanted distraction as he seeks to rebuild the fallen Premier League giants, who have failed to come close to a trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
But, now the Red Devils are ready to be stuck with him.
It’s all so different than it was in 2006, when Ferguson decided Van Nistelrooy’s best years were behind him – instead of ahead.
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The Dutch international had been prolific in previous years, scoring 150 goals to become an Old Trafford legend.
He netted 44 in the 2002/2003 season alone, a record only equaled by Mohamed Salah since then.
But with Wayne Rooney and a young Ronaldo threatening to become the next best thing, Van Nistelrooy’s relationship with Ferguson began to deteriorate.
He was aggrieved by being left out of the squad for the 2006 EFL Cup final victory over Wigan, a match in which both Ronaldo and Rooney clinched.
And as his mood deteriorated, Ferguson decided to release Van Nistelrooy.
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It has echoes of today, where Rashford and Jadon Sancho have started to look like themselves without Ronaldo by their side.
These two, despite their inconsistencies, are the future of Ten Hag’s team – something the Dutchman is fully aware of.
With the arrival of Antony from Ajax, he is another player whose development Ten Hag will not allow Ronaldo to delay.
If a Champions League team arrives with a serious offer from Ronaldo, it is possible that the Red Devils will cash in.
Instead, it looks like it’s here to stay. Whether that works in United’s favor or not, only time will tell.
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