Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Manchester United great Roy Keane predicted how many goals Cristiano Ronaldo would score for Chelsea

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane said last season that Cristiano Ronaldo would be capable of scoring 50 goals for Chelsea.

Ronaldo, as reported by the Manchester Evening News , wants to leave Old Trafford after becoming frustrated at the club's lack of transfer activity this summer. Ronaldo is also said to be "upset" about a 25 per cent reduction on players' salaries after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the forthcoming season. A lack of Champions League football is also said to be a reason behind his wishes to leave.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner did not report for training on Monday and Tuesday, with "family reasons" being cited for his absence. He returned to United almost a year ago from Juventus with the ambition of bringing silverware back to Old Trafford, but the club experienced its worst season in years, despite Ronaldo helping himself to 24 goals.

READ MORE: Tyrell Malacia lifts lid on transfer conversation with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

Although United have reiterated their stance that he is not for sale this summer, Chelsea have been installed as one of the early favourites to secure his signature. New Blues owner Todd Boehly recently met super-agent Jorge Mendes and Ronaldo's future, according to reports, was one of the topics they discussed.

Speaking after United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford last season, in which Ronaldo had earned his side a point with a thunderous equaliser, Keane remarked how the 37-year-old would score goals for fun if he was in Thomas Tuchel's side. Chelsea dominated proceedings that evening and should have been out of sight by the half-time break.

"He's outstanding," Keane told Sky Sports, reflecting on Ronaldo's equalsier. "It's the hardest part of the game, putting the ball in the back of the net. That was his only chance tonight. You see the chances Chelsea were creating. Imagine if he was in the Chelsea team, he'd probably get 50 goals. He's in a poor United side who aren't creating many chances for him and he's still producing."

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.