Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his gratitude to Manchester United 's supporters with a classy message of thanks on social media.
The 37-year-old scored his 24th goal of the season in the Red Devils' rousing 3-0 victory over Brentford on Monday, netting a second-half penalty to cap an all-round dazzling display. After putting on a spectacular performance, Ronaldo took to Instagram to thank his fans, who potentially watched him play at Old Trafford for the final time due to his uncertain future.
"Once again, great support from the stands. Let's take this opportunity of our last game of the season at Old Trafford to thank our amazing supporters, who endured a difficult season by our side and never abandoned us," the United superstar wrote. "Thanks, guys. Your support means the world to us and our goal is to become better everyday, so that we can achieve what we all want: glory for Man. United!"
Having had a goal in the first half narrowly ruled out for offside to his fury, Ronaldo made sure to get on the scoresheet in the Red Devils' last home game of the campaign by winning a penalty. The Portuguese did superbly to shrug Brentford left-back Rico Henry off the ball and burst into the penalty area, drawing a foul from the scrambling defender.
Ronaldo emphatically tucked home his spot-kick in front of the Stretford End, making it 18 goals in the Premier League this term. His strikes may have been sandwiched by goals from Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane, but it was undoubtedly the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's night. After the final whistle, Ronaldo also made clear his desire to keep proving his doubters wrong, looking directly into the camera during United's lap of honour and declaring: "I'm not finished."
Post-match, interim manager Ralf Rangnick backed him to play a part under new boss Erik ten Hag next season. "The way we played again tonight, not only because he scored he also won the penalty and helped defensively, why should he not be part of the squad and help the team?" Rangnick asked reporters.
Join the debate! Should Ronaldo play a part for Man Utd under Ten Hag next season? Give us your verdict here.
"But this is a question you have to ask Erik and also Cristiano. Cristiano is not a central striker. He does not want to play in that position but if you look at international football there are not many teams who play with two strikers. For me, it is a question of what players Manchester United have in the future. It is obvious United need two more quality strikers.
"Modern strikers do not necessarily have to be strikers. Liverpool or Manchester City have five or six top-class strikers. If you ask me if Gabriel Jesus or Jack Grealish is a winger or a striker, they can all play there. Mason Greenwood would have been one, then after the West Ham game he was no longer part of the squad. Anthony Martial was on loan and Edinson Cavani injured."
