Manchester United Interim Manager Ralf Rangnick has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not leave the club next season amid plans to sign two new strikers this summer.
Rangnick will make way for incoming Head Coach Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford once the season is over, with the Dutch man’s arrival set to usher in the departure several first-team players, including Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old only sealed an emotional return to United last year, snubbing interest from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Though while he has produced a return of 24 goals in 37 appearances, one of which came in Monday’s 3-0 win over Brentford, Ronaldo’s off-the-ball work has been scrutinised regularly throughout the campaign.
Many believe he will not suit Ten Hag’s modern philosophy, which consists of intense pressing high up the pitch.
Ronaldo has therefore been linked with a move away from United in recent months, however Rangnick does not expect him to depart anytime soon.
After their final home game of the season against Brentford, the German was asked if Ronaldo’s lap of honour was a ‘wave of goodbye’.
“I don’t think why it should be a wave of goodbye,” Rangnick told Stadium Astro. “He’s got another year of contract and as far as I know he will be here next season again.”
Despite his claim that Ronaldo is staying put, Rangnick indicated before Monday’s win over Brentford that United will look to add two or three new strikers to their ranks in the summer.
The interim boss, who will take up a consultancy role at the club when Ten Hag arrives, says minor changes will not be enough to propel them up the table next season.
He told Sky Sports: “There should be two or three new strikers next season, it’s pretty obvious.”
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