While Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be firmly “in charge” of his international destiny with Portugal, it is a totally different story at Manchester United given their realistic Champions League doubts and keen interest in Harry Kane.<\/p>\n
The Portuguese striker had been unequivocal when the question was put to him about his possible retirement from international football on the eve of Portugal\u2019s World Cup play-off final game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m the one who will decide my future, no-one else,\u201d said Ronaldo, almost defiantly. \u201cIf I feel like playing more, I’ll play. If not, I don’t play. I’m in charge, period.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although the question was one totally related to his international career, the way the Portuguese chose to reply hinted at something that went beyond just his international playing plans, possibly alluding to his club career as well. In short, whether it\u2019s at the international or club level, he calls the shots.<\/p>\n
The understanding at this point generally is that if Manchester United\u00a0fail to qualify for the Champions League this season, Ronaldo will be on his way out. After all, few, if any, would expect the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to want to lounge around in the Europa League, a competition he has never ever had the ignominy of playing in and one he most likely feels is way beneath his stratospheric status.<\/p>\n
Now with United stranded awkwardly in sixth place, four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand, there is a strong likelihood of them not qualifying for the Champions League for next season. is fanciful to say the least..<\/p>\n
What then for United and Ronaldo? Would the 37-year-old diva welcome the prospect of turning out against such obscure opponents as FC Midtjylland or Eintracht Frankfurt in European football’s second-tier club competition? The answer would be a definite no, for sure. Unfortunately, few other clubs will be able to afford his current exorbitant wages, which is another real dilemma Ronaldo and his camp will have to ponder over his uncertain future.<\/p>\n
On top of that, should United fail to make the Champions League, would he also be able to swallow his pride and stay for the final year of his contract, with the only realistic carrots dangling being the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League?<\/p>\n
Should he opt for the obvious opportunity of moving elsewhere, he would inevitably have to take a wage cut in order to continue playing on the stage he thrives the most \u2013 the Champions League, a competition he has won five times and in which he is the leading goalscorer and appearance maker?<\/p>\n
Realistically also, United are already probably shuffling the deck and planning for life without Ronaldo, and having Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane scoped out in their crosshairs, hoping to succeed where Manchester City failed last summer. And should that finally happen, this will surely signal Ronaldo’s exit, as he most certainly would not entertain the prospect of being cast in the role of understudy to the England captain.<\/p>\n
Although he may be in charge of his own destiny when it comes to the international scene, it appears Ronaldo’s club future is is not within his beck and call this time. It looks like everything is riding on whether United make the Champions League and which striker they can sign this summer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"