Gary Neville has warned Manchester United that they face a "looming decision" regarding the future Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Red Devils captain waxed lyrical about Ronaldo following his hat-trick in their topsy-turvy 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but noted that the 37-year-old's off-pitch predicament will soon need to be resolved.
In his sensational return to Old Trafford last August, Ronaldo singed a contract with United until June 2023 but there are doubts over whether the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will suit the the Red Devils' style of play once a new permeant manager is appointed this summer, with reports suggesting that Ronaldo is ready to quit if he is not on board with who the club choose.
"There's this looming decision at the end of the season," Neville began on Sky Sports. "Is Cristiano Ronaldo going to be at Manchester United at the end of the season? Will Manchester United keep him?
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"It's not in their gift, Ronaldo made that decision, he's got another year left on his contract, it's whether he wants to be here. Whether it's the 'project' that some players like to say he believes in and is enjoying.
"His greatness and wants his career to be enjoyable, he's demanding, he's demanding, he wants to win every game. Obviously there's elements he can't do, I've contributed to that in this studio.
"If Man United want to be a high-pressing team he’s probably not your man but it’s his decision whether he stays at Manchester United, not the other way round.
Fellow legend Roy Keane, on the other hand, reckons United should build around Ronaldo next season.
"Games like tonight will help with his decision-making," Keane explained. "As great as he is, the next challenge is to make this Manchester United team compete again for league titles, it’s another story regarding the new manager and recruitment.
"But Ronaldo has a huge part to play in that and help the rebuilding of the club.
"You need Ronaldo in your team, he's producing like that. Has Ronaldo been at his best this season? Probably not, he's missed a number of chances but with Ronaldo in your team you have a better chance of winning football matches."
"He's got to get better players around him, it's a decision with the manager. But I still think Ronaldo, a player of his age, playing week-in, week-out, he will produce for you.
"His general play, you could say, was pretty average, but football in big games, it's about moments and Ronaldo’s done that for 15 seasons and he can do it for another season."
