CRISTIANO RONALDO is all-but confirmed to stay at Manchester United – having been named on the bench against Leicester.
And the superstar didn’t look downhearted about it as he cracked a big smile during the warm-up.
The Portugal legend pushed for a move away from United all summer and was at one point linked with Chelsea.
But the Blues, along with the likes of Bayern Munich, ruled themselves out of a shock move.
As a result, a frustrated Ronaldo remained at Old Trafford under new boss Erik ten Hag.
He started United’s two disastrous defeats of the season against Brighton and Brentford.
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But Ronaldo was then DROPPED for the club’s return wins over Liverpool and Southampton.
The forward was again named on the bench and the King Power, signalling that he will have to fight for his place in Ten Hag’s side.
Ten Hag said: “We are happy with him, he’s happy to be here and we want to make the season a success together.
“From the start we said we planned with him. It’s your vision, not my vision. We are all on one page.”
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United have brought in FIVE new players this season which is believed to have impressed Ronaldo.
Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax and keeper Martin Dubravka of Newcastle joined on deadline day.
That added to the signings of Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.
Ten Hag said: “For this window, it will be the end.
“You always have to be alert at a top club. But we will go from September to minimum January with this squad.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
