Manchester United have huge Cristiano Ronaldo problem

Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on December 30, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on December 30, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo was welcomed back to Manchester United with open arms in the summer. The Portuguese superstar had departed Old Trafford over a decade ago and had been linked with a return for years. But it had looked like it would never happen. As a result, his comeback came as a massive surprise and considered as a major boost for the Red Devils. Since then though, it has not been smooth sailing.

Ronaldo has done quite well individually. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 14 goals and provided 3 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United this season.

But overall, Manchester United have appeared to take a step back. The club had finished 2nd in the Premier League last season but currently sit at 7th in the table, and have a tough task on their hands to finish in the top four this time around.

They also appear to have a huge problem on their hands when it comes to Ronaldo’s future. As reported by the Daily Star, he has a contract until 2023 but could leave next summer if he does not agree with Manchester United’s long-term managerial appointment.

Manchester United have huge Ronaldo problem

It is safe to say that things have not gone as Ronaldo would have envisioned when he sealed a return to Manchester United in the summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already been shown the exit door after the club’s disappointing start to the season and Ralf Rangnick was brought in as the interim manager till the end of the campaign.

The German coach’s arrival has not had the effect that was hoped though and Manchester United have continued to struggle although the results have improved a bit.

The club are expected to make a long-term managerial appointment next summer and it remains to be seen who that turns out to be. Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag, Brendan Rodgers and several other managers have been linked with the Old Trafford job in recent times.