Ronaldo's future in his hands, NOT Man Utd's

James Shearman

• Updated: 13 Mar 2022 11:51 GMT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo will have the ultimate say on his future, not Manchester United, according to Gary Neville.

Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford has been far from plain sailing, despite his impressive goal record, calling said future into question.

The 37-year-old scored a stunning hat-trick in Sunday's vital win over Tottenham, but the Red Devils' chances at finishing in the top four remain slim.

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He has also faced a challenging relationship with manager Ralf Rangnick, as he has not been as indispensable to the team as he would expect.

As a result, Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Manchester, just one year after his highly-anticipated return.

However, club legend Gary Neville insists that the Portugal international will only leave on his terms, given he is contracted until 2023.

Ronaldo to decide on future this summer

With another 12 months on Ronaldo's contract, Manchester United will not have the power to decide on the striker's future when the summer transfer window comes around.

''There's this looming decision at the end of the season which everyone I think knows is coming - is Cristiano Ronaldo going to be at Manchester United next season?,'' Neville said on Sky Sports.

''And people are saying 'will Manchester United keep him?' - it's not their gift. Cristiano Ronaldo will make that decision.''

''He's got another year left on his contract, it's whether he wants to be here. Whether this is the sort of project, that players sometimes like to say, that he believes in and is enjoying it.''

Ronaldo has had a fairly impressive season to date, scoring 18 goals in all competitions at the age of 37.

Instead, it's the team's position which could entice him into looking for pastures new.

And, given his status as an all-time great, not only for United, but in the world of football, he would be allowed to leave should he decide that it is best for his career.

''I just think his greatness and he wants his career at the end to be enjoyable, he's demanding,'' Neville added on why Ronaldo has such power.

''He's demanding, he wants to win every single game. There's this element of what he can't do and we've contributed to that, I've contributed to that in this studio.

''If Manchester United want to be a high-pressing team, with lots of energy up front, he's probably not your man.

''But he will make the decision to whether he stays at Manchester United next season, not the other way around.''