Cristiano Ronaldo has pledged to help nurture the next generation of Manchester United stars as he enters the twilight of career.
The 37-year-old has won five Champions Leagues and five Ballon d’Ors during his glittering career. He will undoubtedly go down as one of the game’s greats.
And it seems the legendary attacker is keen to pass on his wisdom. Speaking on Friday, the Portugal captain said: “I think we should give opportunities to the young generation.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo drops hint on Manchester United future and breaks silence on Erik ten Hag
"They understand to achieve success you have to [make] sacrifices, hard work, ethic of work, dedication, but of course if the kids ask my advice I will give my opinion and advice because I want to help."
After hearing these words, United’s youngsters will surely be queuing up to learn from the superstar. MEN Sport looks at four up-and-coming players who could benefit from Ronaldo’s new promise.
Anthony Elanga
The winger had a breakthrough 2021/22 season and became a regular under Ralf Rangnick. Anton Ferdinand recently branded him as the only youngster to have learnt from Ronaldo this season. But at just 20, the Sweden international still has a lot to learn.
Alejandro Garnacho
United Under-18s' Player of the Season experienced his first taste of senior football this term. It was also a campaign that saw him score twice in the FA Youth Cup final win over Nottingham Forest.
He hit Ronaldo’s famous ‘Siu’ celebration after one goal, which the Portuguese hero would have liked. Garnacho, 17, has a bright future ahead of him and he can learn plenty from the great man.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho’s debut campaign with United has been largely underwhelming and symptomatic of the club’s season. Despite his £73m price tag and being a full England international, the winger can still take notes from Ronaldo, who used to play in his position during his first stint at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of his Bundesliga form and clearly possesses the quality needed. If he can learn from Ronaldo’s relentless consistency, Sancho could finally go on to fulfil his potential.
Charlie McNeill
The 18-year-old academy hopeful will be spying his senior United debut this season. The youngster has been impressing with the Under-23s, netting 17 times this campaign.
McNeill will be looking to catch the eye of Erik ten Hag during pre-season. If he gets the nod, he must soak up all the information he can from Ronaldo to put him in good stead for when he becomes a fully-fledged first-teamer.
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