Photos that appear to show Cristiano Ronaldo modelling Manchester United's new home and away strips for next season have been perceived by many as a sign he will remain at the club.
There has been mounting speculation that the Portugal skipper could cut short his Old Trafford stay, having originally penned a two-year deal upon his return last summer. United's abysmal form over the course of the campaign has fuelled the idea that Ronaldo could explore options elsewhere this coming transfer window.
It has been a disastrous campaign for the club as a collective, with United amassing their lowest points tally in their Premier League history as wins have proved hard to come by under both sacked legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his interim successor Ralf Rangnick.
Things have deteriorated even further in just the last 10 days - a period which has seen United be on the wrong end of a 4-0 humiliation by Brighton before two players were reportedly pulled apart after a training ground scrap forced Rangnick to end the session early.
However, there are finally some shoots of optimism for the United faithful to cling on to as the Erik ten Hag-era edges closer after the Dutchman was confirmed to be the one tasked with taking the reins from the end of this season onwards.
United fans have now also seen a sneak peek at the first kits of Ten Hag's tenure as Adidas look to pay homage to the 1998/99 treble winning campaign. The home shirt is of course dominated by the iconic red of United while boasting a white collar and the instantly recognisable three stripes of Adidas down the sleeves.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Ronaldo be a key figure in Ten Hag's United plans? Comment below
Snaps of Ronaldo wearing it have appeared to ease some fears many had of the serial winner heading for the Old Trafford exit door. The 37-year-old has been one of very few shining lights for the Red Devils this term, notching 18 goals in the Premier League and counting.
Were the legendary number seven to bag a brace away at Crystal Palace on the final day of a miserable season, it would continue his astonishing run of scoring at least 20 goals for 13 league seasons running - dating back to his first spell at United.
Rumours have been rife that Ronaldo may not be the kind of player Ten Hag values as central to his plans when the incoming boss arrives, but the player has made abundantly clear he is excited to work with the departing Ajax manager.
"I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax, and that he is an experienced coach, but we have to give him time," Ronaldo told manutd.com.
"Things must change the way he wants. If you do well, all of Manchester United will succeed, so I wish you all the best. We are all happy and excited [with the arrival], not only as players but as fans as well. We have to believe that next year we can win titles."
Though the majority of supporters seem heartened by the pictures of Ronaldo donning next season's strip, some have pointed out the forward also took part in promotional kit campaigns for both Real Madrid and Juventus - before leaving that same summer.
