Manchester United icon Roy Keane has previously insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo would not leave the club this summer and new manager Erik ten Hag appears to agree.
The 37-year-old was the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from Old Trafford earlier this month due to reported fears he harboured over the lack of transfer activity at the club so far this transfer window. United are one of the only 'big-six' sides yet to confirm any form of incoming this month.
Due to the way United performed throughout last season - the worst of their Premier League era, reports touting United with a move away had first started earlier on this year once it became clear the Red Devils were going to finish nowhere near the Champions League qualification places.
Speaking after a routine home win over Brentford in which Ronaldo bagged a trademark goal, Keane went against the tide to state how he was confident the Portugal skipper was going nowhere. Asked if he thought the game against the Bees would mark the last time Ronaldo donned the United shirt, despite still have another year left to run on his contract, Keane explained: “I wouldn’t have thought so.
"I know there’s speculation but I can’t imagine Ronaldo not being at Man United next year unless something drastic changes in the summer. If you look at the goals he’s got, he’s a threat and any manager would want to work with him. Simple as that."
Fast forward two months and Ten Hag is thought to have decided Ronaldo will not be going anywhere. Surprise interest from Chelsea led to United officials going on the offensive and assuring fans last season's top scorer would remain at Old Trafford next term.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Ronaldo still be at United next season? Comment below
The links from Chelsea were sparked by the fact that new Blues owner Todd Boehly held a meeting with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes in which the idea of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner making a shock switch to Stamford Bridge was briefly discussed.
High-level sources from within the club responded to the rumours by issuing the update: “Cristiano is not for sale, we want - and fully expect - him to be with us next season.” Chelsea were not the only club linked with the superstar, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also thought to be monitoring his situation.
It is worth remembering that new boss Ten Hag has been incredibly complimentary of Ronaldo before even getting to work with the forward.
Speaking to De Telegraaf regarding his plans for the club's legendary No.7, the Dutchman was firm in his stance: "I want to keep Cristiano at Man United, of course. He has been very important for this club. Ronaldo is a giant, because of everything he has shown so far and because of how ambitious he is."
Ten Hag, much like Keane, is adamant Ronaldo will remain a Red Devil - and that appears final.
