Identity of ‘new manager’ key if Man Utd want to keep star

Cristiano Ronaldo will make a decision over his future once he finds out the identity of the new Man Utd manager, according to reports.

The Portugal international has scored 14 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils after rejoining the club from Juventus in the summer transfer window.

Although Man Utd are now up to fourth following a last-gasp 1-0 victory over West Ham before the recent break, but they are still falling short of Ronaldo’s ambition to win the Premier League title and other trophies this season.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was replaced by interim boss Ralf Rangnick in November but, despite results being quite good, many of their performances have been poor.

That has led to rumours earlier this month about cliques in the Man Utd dressing room with numerous unhappy players in their bloated squad.

There have been rumours that Ronaldo could ask for a transfer away from Man Utd in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

And ESPN now insist that the Portugal international will decide his next step after the Red Devils reveal the identity of their new permanent manager.

The report claims:

‘Sources have told ESPN that Ronaldo will wait until Manchester United announce the identity of their new manager before deciding on his own future at Old Trafford. But that decision may be taken out of his hands if his new boss chooses to move in a direction that doesn’t include the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

‘When he made clear his desire to leave Juventus last summer, Ronaldo had few options before United and Manchester City fought it out for his signature late in the transfer window.

‘If he becomes available this summer, he may find that his options are limited to the Middle East, MLS or a return to Portugal, but because of the uncertainty surrounding United right now, there is no guarantee that Ronaldo will still be at the club next season.’

There has been speculation that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is keen to bring him back to the Bernabeu in the summer but those rumours seem premature for now.