Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho look to have already given their verdict on whether Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Manchester United this summer.
Speculation has been rife over the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future this summer. Ronaldo has already asked United to allow him to leave, with the 37-year-old wanting to play Champions League football for the remainder of his career.
United though have held firm in their stance that the Portugal international is not for sale. With Ronaldo cutting a frustrated figure in the defeats to Brighton and Brentford so far this season, rumours of his departure are unlikely to disappear with just under three weeks left in the transfer window.
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Ronaldo is of course considered one of football’s greatest ever players, if not the greatest. The forward has won countless trophies throughout a decorated career, which has no doubt added to his frustrations back at Old Trafford.
United certainly don’t look anywhere near challenging for silverware this season based on their first two showings. According to Mourinho, who spoke about Ronaldo’s rise to stardom back in 2008, that could prove to be a deciding factor.
"I don't think he can be a player without a big trophy," Mourinho said of Ronaldo back 14 years ago.
"Clearly what Ronaldo did in the season was magnificent. I think by far, or by some distance, he has been the best player in the Premiership but for me, the best is always a winner because football is a collective sport.
"If Man United do something important by winning the Premiership or by winning the Champions League I would say – and not just me, the whole football world – give the trophy to him."
Ferguson would also appear to agree with Mourinho. Ronaldo of course became the global superstar we know of today under the legendary United manager’s tutelage.
Ferguson though will know just as well as anyone how the current crop are currently failing, especially when compared to the high standards he set. He also knows what impact a lack of Champions League football can have.
"I judge my success by trophies," said Ferguson in 2013. "We have a good record of that and a good history too. We are very ambitious to maintain that success. We know we have to perform to make sure we are always up there.
"But what is success? You could have a team who finishes in the top three or four every season and get to the final of a cup competition but don't go on and win it.
"I don't think that is failure. That is relative success. You have kept your team in a competitive situation throughout the season. You are in Europe and contesting the Champions League."
United are clearly adamant they expect Ronaldo to see out the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. The 37-year-old though clearly has higher aspirations than the Reds at the moment, and he seemingly has the backing of two of his former managers.
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