Sir Alex Ferguson is privately urging Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United despite the club’s bad season, according to reports.
The Red Devils delivered another poor performance on Saturday as they were hammered 4-0 by Brighton, meaning this will be their worst-ever points tally in a Premier League season.
The Portugal international cut a frustrated figure once again in United’s defeat to Brighton and was even seen laughing after his team conceded their third goal in the 57th minute.
Ronaldo signed an initial two-year deal with United last August and has the options for an additional one year, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is considering his future.
According to the Sunday Mirror, Ronaldo and Ferguson have met each other at their homes several times this season and despite United’s struggles, it’s believed that the Scot has told his former player to see out his deal with the club.
Erik ten Hag is still yet to make a decision about Ronaldo’s future, with the Ajax manager set to move to United once the season is over.
Speaking after United’s defeat against Brighton, former striker Dion Dublin believes Ten Hag’s decision will be a key factor in Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford.
‘I don’t know where Ronaldo goes from here,’ Dublin told Sky Sports.
‘Does he go back to Italy or Spain? I don’t know where he goes. I find it hard to see him staying at United unless something is done incredibly quickly. Then again, I don’t know where he goes.
‘I think United will be lost without him so I am hoping he is going to be [staying at] United without a doubt.