Looking happy at Old Trafford in recent weeks, Gary Neville has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United and accept fewer games.
Under Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo has been relegated to a secondary position. He has only started one Premier League game this season, a 4-0 thrashing of Brentford.
In Sunday’s return win over Everton, the 37-year-old scored his 700th goal for the club after coming off the bench. He showed that he still has an important role to play at Old Trafford.
And now, ahead of United’s showdown with Newcastle this weekend, former teammate Neville has urged Ronaldo to swallow his ego and help the club return to the Champions League.
What did Neville say?
As a player towards the end of his career, Neville said: “I hope he understands that he won’t play every game and that he will stay and become a huge contributor like he did on Sunday night.” [in the win over Everton] and United would have a successful season.”
‘Ronaldo will not start every game and will come off the bench as he did against Everton. However, I think they have a much better chance of finishing in the top four if he stays. But I suspect he can’t help but play because of his mindset and psyche.
“He sees it as an insult, and players I respect a lot think that him sitting on the bench is a sign of contempt, but I don’t see it that way at all. Erik ten Hag, in my opinion, has handled this situation quite well.”
Ronaldo was heavily linked to a summer transfer away from United due to the club’s inability to host Champions League games at Old Trafford.
Consequently, rumors about Ronaldo’s future have subsided. Neville is optimistic that the Portuguese international will now put in a strong effort at United.
Where will you play in Europe?
He added: “I personally hope that he is able to ask himself: ‘Where am I going to play where people love me so much and where there are still trophies on the table? We can achieve a lot. Where will you perform in Europe?
“No one wanted him in the transfer window over the summer. I think United have handled this reasonably well.”
He is participating and acting morally both on and off the field. At the moment, nothing is said about Ronaldo in any conversation; everyone is focused on preparing for the World Cup.”
Ronaldo scored his first Premier League goal against Everton and Neville believes it could be a turning point for the striker.
“It was intriguing when he scored that goal on Sunday. I thought the players that were on the field really responded to that. I think goal celebrations can tell you a lot,” added Neville.
“There were times in the last 12 months where I noticed when he or someone else scored and I felt like there wasn’t a lot of unity.
“On Sunday there was a really good atmosphere in the group. They went to celebrate with him and I think that is something very important. The fact that it happened makes me feel like he, right now, has his head on.”
