Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United is still an unknown but it is starting to become clearer. First of all, the close of the market is approaching and CR7 still does not have an assured destination. But also the words of Erik ten Hag after the 1-0 win over Southampton may give clues: the Dutch manager has openly admitted that he expects him to stay at Old Trafford despite the fact that he counts on him as a substitute.
Ronaldo, 37, was keen to leave because his side failed to qualify for this season's UEFA Champions League but his intentions have been fading week after week. The truth is that there are only a few days left until the close of the transfer window and Ten Hag, who left Cristiano on the bench for the last two games, said he hopes he will not leave.
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"I can't say for sure but we plan with him. We stick to the plan. I hope he stays here," he said to BT Sport's microphone after securing his second win in a row at the start of the tournament, where he has two defeats and two wins.
It seems Ten Hag prefers younger options
Cristiano was a substitute in three of the first four Premier League matches. In the only game he started, United lost 4-0 to Brentford in one of the most humiliating defeats in their history. In case Ronaldo decides to leave, only Rashford and Anthony Martial remain as candidates to be the offensive referents. Even if Ronaldo chose to stay, he would have to show his capabilities and fight for a starting role.
