Manchester United’s response to recent reports on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future tells you everything you need to know about their stance on a potential exit for the Portuguese ace. The Reds are clearly in no mood to entertain any suggestions of a move this summer, with Ronaldo still holding a year on his contract.
Despite the clubs being linked with his services, the five-time Ballon d’Or is clearly still very much in United 's plans. Given his return last season, it’s easy to see why. Even at 37, Ronaldo proved to be the rare bright spark in an otherwise disastrous season, and things could have been much, much worse had it not been for his 24 goals.
But beyond his efforts on the pitch, Ronaldo also has a major part to play off it next season as United embark on a new era under Erik ten Hag. The new manager will no doubt be taking a close look at the club’s youngsters over the coming weeks in pre-season, having enjoyed plenty of success developing talent at Ajax.
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Key to bringing on the next generation will be the likes of Ronaldo passing on his experience. And in among the prospects he can take under his wing is a potential successor to his throne at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a star of the future, with his performances in the run to a first FA Youth Cup since 2011 earning him a spot in the senior squad during the back end of last season. Soon to be turning 18, the former Atletico Madrid star could have the chance to make his mark, and Ronaldo knows all about coming through at United as a teenager.
"The mature players, the older players can always help the young players," Ronaldo told Premier League Productions back in January. "But, I can give you an example, if I give you advice, even if you are younger than me and if you don't implant that in a daily life it will be difficult.
"You can speak all day with that person. If he's not coming from inside of you it's impossible. I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, some old players speak with me and I put that as, 'Cristiano, you know you have to improve. They know more than you, they are more experienced than you'. They passed through many bad moments.
"But in my opinion, the main point is it should come from inside you. You should be proud of yourself, look in the mirror and say, listen, I gave everything. And I think all of us should do that.
"The individual is the most important thing. We are here to help when they need my help, my support, my advice, I will be the number one to help but if you don't want my help, do your job, look for yourself and do your best to help the team.”
There’s certainly no danger of Garnacho not taking on board Ronaldo’s advice. A quick glance at the teenager’s social media demonstrates just how much he worships the 37-year-old, and he’ll no doubt relish the opportunity to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps.
All of the traits are there. The celebration, the skill, the confidence, and - what became most evident last season - the goals.
And Garnacho will certainly get Ronaldo’s backing should he be given his opportunity next season. The Portuguese has already given his approval for a new approach at United, which could come into effect under Ten Hag’s guidance.
"The new generation will be the new future for the club, I'm in favour that we should give opportunities to the young generation, of course, because they will be the future," Ronaldo said earlier this month.
"But you have to help them as well to put it in the right spot, because the pressure is a lot to play in the Premier League, which I believe is the most difficult league in the world by far. And you have to give them time, give them the opportunity, and let them grow in a normal way without pressure, but I think we should give opportunities to the young generation."
Ronaldo’s stay at Old Trafford may only last another year, but he could leave a lasting legacy in his final season with United. In Garnacho, he has the perfect recipient to hand the baton off to in becoming the club’s new talisman.
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