Roy Keane admits Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Manchester United could get "ugly" if they hold onto the striker and struggle early on in the season.
The forward has made it clear he wants to quit Old Trafford, despite spending less than 12 months back at the club, who have made it clear they expect him to see out the remaining year of his deal. Despite showdown talks, Ronaldo remains a United player.
The Portuguese superstar has previously looked to quit the Manchester outfit to pursue other ambitions. That was back in 2008 when Real Madrid came knocking - but Sir Alex Ferguson told him to ride it out for 12 months. Not only were United winning silverware, but Ronaldo had time on his side, being in his mid-20s.
Now, at 37, Ronaldo wants to win and has little time for a transitional phase, which United are in. Keane, who saw a host of players come and go during his time at the club, concedes though that a slow start to the year could see the situation at Old Trafford go south.
The Irishman said on Sky Sports: "He wanted to leave Man United many years ago and Ferguson said 'Stay another year' and he got his head down - he was a bit younger. My worry is if they say 'Your'e definitely staying' and they start the season not great, he's resentful towards the manager and then it could get ugly."
Ronaldo scored over 20 times for United last term, but his goals could not guide them into the Champions League. Not playing in that competition is thought to be a major motivating factor in his desire to leave, although there is not a queue of buyers waiting in the wings.
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Chelsea and Bayern Munich have distanced themselves from any deal amid early links. Napoli have been touted as a possible destination while a return to Portugal with Sporting Lisbon is also a possibility.
Keane, though, is confident that Erik ten Hag, who has criticised Ronaldo's actions last weekend, can use the current situation to his advantage as he looks to stamp his authority. He said: "I don't think it's such a big deal as everyone's making out. Ultimately when you're a manager, you don't go looking for trouble, trouble comes your way. So this has come to the manager, it's in front of him.
"He's got to deal with it. But I think he can put a marker on it, say it's Ronaldo in the next week or two and if he's got takers and the deal works for United, you might want some money back. But if you go to Lisbon, then off you go."
