It was never likely that Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United would be a long one, although there looks to be an increasing danger of it becoming much shorter than the club and its fans had hoped.
With yet more reports emerging of a potential exit for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner this summer, the fear around Old Trafford grows. United’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League was always seen as having the potential of leading to Ronaldo’s exit, and the latest speculation suggests that could well be the case.
United remain adamant that the 37-year-old is not for sale, but if his last two moves have proven anything, it’s that Ronaldo will surely be the one to decide whether he stays or goes. United can’t say they haven’t had enough warning of that.
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There will be plenty of discussion over what effect Ronaldo’s exit would have on the side, but there can be no doubt about it leaving them in a rotten position up front. United legend Roy Keane said as much when outlining why the club need to keep hold of the Portugal international this summer.
"It was a short-term fix, for the fans, for the share price. But he has still scored the goals," Keane told Sky Sports back in May. "Manchester United have bigger problems than Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I just think with the goals that he has got, his performances, warrants staying at the club. But Manchester United have to get players around him, they have to get other strikers in, there has to be competition for places.
"If the leading goalscorer, the man you are depending on, is 37 years of age then that is certainly not good but I would certainly be holding onto Ronaldo.
"There might be a conversation that needs to be had about the way you are going to play or that you are not going to be playing week in and week out. But why would you get rid of a player who scores that many goals? I don't see the logic in it."
United have had plenty of failures in the transfer market over the years, but to not address the lack of quality up front has been a major downfall. That was never more evident than last season with the struggles they had when Ronaldo was not in the side.
It was always clear that Edinson Cavani would be leaving at the end of his contract, and considering how often (or not) the Uruguay international was actually available last season, United have had a good look at what life is like with just one viable option up front. The problem wasn’t addressed though, and now Erik ten Hag could be staring down the problem of a major problem should Ronaldo leave.
Without their veteran talisman, United would be left with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as their only options to lead the line. The former’s exit has been on the cards for some time, while the latter’s forays in the middle have not proven successful – and the less said about the experiments with Bruno Fernandes last season, the better.
Ten Hag has plenty of other areas he needs to get to work on this summer, but there’s no doubt that United need more quality options up front, whether Ronaldo stays or goes. For their sake, they need to hope they can convince him to see out his contract.
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