Jamie Carragher has admitted he’d like to see Cristiano Ronaldo stay in the Premier League, despite feeling Manchester United should offload him.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future continues to dominate headlines as United approach their first game of the new season. Ronaldo is still being linked with an exit from Old Trafford, with less than a month now remaining in the transfer window.
United have been adamant that the 37-year-old is not for sale, although speculation continues that he could be on his way. Suggestions of an exit were ramped up again after Ronaldo was criticised by Erik ten Hag for leaving the friendly against Rayo Vallecano early, along with some of his other teammates.
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Carragher has been one of the more vocal pundits calling for United to let the Portugal international go this summer, agreeing with his colleague Gary Neville. Speaking to Sky Sports on Friday though, the former Liverpool defender admitted he wants Ronaldo to stay in the Premier League, due to him providing a constant talking point.
“I’ve been critical of the Ronaldo signing since he came in and I actually said today, Ten Hag should be moving on from that,” Carragher said. “I know it’s easier said than done getting a player out, but really we want him to stay because we talk about him, he provides headlines, he’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We’ve got some of the best players, managers, Klopp and Guardiola, and Ronaldo’s probably the biggest name because of the player he’s been in the past and what he’s achieved. From an analytical point of view, Manchester United would be better without Ronaldo starting afresh with a younger team.
“But in terms of our job and what we do, big names, talking points, he’s a superstar, megastar. If he plays at the weekend we’ll be focusing on him, what he’s like with the manager on the side of the pitch and that’s why you want to keep him in the Premier League.”
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