Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has told talkSPORT his former side would be worse off without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has had a shaky summer a year after his big comeback, with constant links of winning away what seemed like boos on his return to Old Trafford.
Several reports claimed that the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, was trying to get his client to a Champions League side such as Chelsea or Bayern Munich, but the Portuguese superstar now looks set to stay.
Ronaldo missed much of United’s pre-season campaign for “family reasons”, but returned for their Premier League loss to Brighton.
The 37-year-old was only a second-half substitute in the heartbreaking 2-1 defeat but still looked like Erik ten Hag’s most dangerous striker, providing the game’s best chance to Marcus Rashford.
Watford captain Cleverley was breaking through at United just before Ronaldo left, and believes the five-time European Cup winner still has plenty to offer.
“It’s tough, he’s been an absolute legend at the club,” Cleverley told talkSPORT Breakfast.
“Do I think he helps them get Champions League football? For sure.
“It’s no longer a number nine that’s going to win you Champions Leagues and leagues, but I don’t think that’s where United are at.
“I think he definitely has a big role to play for the club, without his goals they would struggle even more.
“But insofar as a long-term direction they need to find a different path, which is what they’re struggling with right now.
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