Cristiano Ronaldo hinted that his immediate future remains at Manchester United - but warned that Erik ten Hag must be given time to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo 's sensational return did not alter a disastrous season for the Red Devils, who missed out on Champions League qualification despite the Portuguese icon's 18 Premier League goals. The 37-year-old has one year left on his current contract and the failure to reach Europe's elite competition - a stage Ronaldo has made his own - has prompted rumours he could cut his United homecoming short.
But despite such a dismal campaign, Ronaldo is content in Manchester and says he still has faith that United will be 'back where they belong.' "The feeling when I (came) back again, it was nice to feel the supporters," he said in an interview with the club. "The happiness of them as great. I was - and still am - very happy to be here. I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. As I say before, sometimes it takes time but I still believe.
"It's still my motivation to carry on. Just working hard. I still love the passion for the game. And of course Manchester and my team-mates helped me all the way so I have to appreciate all the people who help Cristiano."
Erik Ten Hag is the third boss Ronaldo will work with since rejoining the Red Devils after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking and Ralf Rangnick's ill-fated interim reign. The Dutchman arrives from Ajax with a strong reputation in European football, but an almighty task to rebuild a squad capable of challenging on all fronts after the club finished 35 points behind champions Manchester City last season.
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"I know he [Ten Hag] did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he's an experienced coach," Ronaldo added. "But we need to give him time and things need to change - the way he wants. I hope we have success of course. Because if you have success, all of Manchester are going to have success as well. So I wish him the best. We are happy and excited - not only the players but the supporters as well."
Ronaldo saw Argentina youngster Alejandro Garnacho make his full Red Devils debut and Hannibal Mejbri continue his rise to prominence by featuring in the first-team towards the end of last season. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has tipped Ten Hag to continue United's rich tradition of affording opportunities to young players next season.
"I think we should give opportunities to the young generation of course," Ronaldo said. "They understand to achieve success you have to sacrifice, hard work, ethic of work, dedication. But of course, if the kids ask me advice, I will give my opinion and advice because I want to help."
