Ralf Rangnick has admitted he doesn't know whether or not Erik ten Hag wants Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United next season.
The Portuguese superstar netted his 23rd goal for the Red Devils this season in his side's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday night. The 37-year-old's latest effort means he has now scored eight of United's last nine goals.
Despite his exploits, Ronaldo's future continues to be shrouded in uncertainty, amid question marks over whether the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would suit the style of incoming manager Ten Hag, and given United appear set to miss out on Champions League football next term. Current interim Rangnick has now offered an update on Ronaldo's future - albeit only to admit he is unsure whether Ten Hag will want to keep the star striker.
Discussing Ronaldo with Sky Sports following his side's Premier League draw with Chelsea on Thursday, Rangnick revealed: "Not only the goal that he scored today, his whole performance, his attitude, how often he helped in our own half, at the age of 37, a player like him, this is not normal to do that.
"He showed that today and if he plays like he played today, he can still be a great help for this team. In the end, it is both Erik [ten Hag]'s and also Cristiano's decision what they want to do so I think it is not for me to speak about that but as I say the performance of Cristiano today was really great."
Despite his goalscoring exploits this season, which include 17 in the Premier League alone following his latest strike against the Blues, many have criticised Ronaldo for prioritising individual recognition over the success of the team. United's decision to re-sign the veteran forward last summer has also been branded a "mistake" by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher on countless occasions.
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Many feel Ronaldo has hindered United this season with both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rangnick forced to shoe-horn the superstar into their starting line-ups throughout the current campaign. Amid question marks over whether Ronaldo suits Ten Hag's style, it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will seek to retain the striker for next season.
Ronaldo himself may opt against an Old Trafford stay in order to compete in next season's Champions League - a competition United appear all but set to miss out on. A stalemate against Thomas Tuchel's side means United are currently five points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal with only three matches remaining, though the Gunners still have five to play.
Rangnick heaped praise on Ronaldo for his fine strike against the Blues and admitted he was pleased with his side's response in the second half, while claiming United escaped with a "lucky" point. He added: "We showed a good reaction in the second half, and it was a great finish from Cristiano Ronaldo.
"In the first half we had our problems and we needed a few great saves from David de Gea. Second half we did better and we got more control.
"You could see they are a top team, no coincidence they won the Champions League and we don't have much confidence and had eight players missing. Although it was still a lucky draw, we earned it.
"At times we saw the gap, but they played with their best XI and we had players missing. We have problems with defending, not compact enough and not physical enough."
