Cristiano Ronaldo makes decision on Manchester United future ahead of new manager appointment

Since the turn of the year, the Portuguese star has put in some less-than-stellar performances, and there were even rumors that interim manager Ralf Rangnick was considering dismissing him.

Last Saturday, though, Ronaldo scored a magnificent hat-trick against Spurs, reminding everyone exactly how dangerous he can still be — even if he followed that up with a lackluster performance against Atletico Madrid.

United’s Champions League departure at the hands of Diego Simeone’s side means they’ll spend another five years without a trophy, their longest drought since the 1970s, with just a top-four finish on the table this season.

Ronaldo was meant to help United close the gap on Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, but the club has gone backwards instead, and the 37-year-old is reportedly contemplating his future at the club.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to be challenging for titles as he nears the end of his career, but he knows he only has a limited window to do so, with United currently seeming like a long way off from being contenders.

However, according to the Spanish publication AS, Ronaldo remains dedicated to the club and has decided to finish his contract next season.

The thought of ending United’s trophy drought appeals to him, and he is convinced that returning to Old Trafford was the right decision.

Ronaldo is also sure that the club will make the correct option in hiring a new manager, and he is ready to work with a fresh, world-class coach after often disagreeing with Rangnick and his style of play.

United’s board will back the incoming manager with big reinforcements in the summer, according to the former Real Madrid player, and the club will be in a position to fight for championships.

Mauricio Pochettino of PSG and Erik ten Hag of Ajax are the two major candidates to follow Rangnick, though Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has suddenly emerged as a viable alternative due to the club’s problems.

Ronaldo is the joint-third highest scorer in the Premier League this season, behind only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, with 12 goals and three assists, despite being chastised for his lack of work rate and pressuring.