Exclusive: Ex-Manchester United defender on why Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford was a dream come true for Manchester United fans and, for the first half of the campaign, he lived up to expectations.

The former Juventus forward scored nine goals in his first 11 appearances back at the club, but has now only added a single goal to his tally since December.

It was hoped that United could challenge for the Premier League title following Ronaldo’s return, however it is now looking increasingly likely that the 37-year-old may depart after this season.

Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker has discussed the possibility of Ronaldo leaving and believes the Red Devils won’t be able to progress as a team with the Portugal international in the side.

Speaking to ManchesterWorld on behalf of MyBettingSites, Parker said: “I think the club probably needs him [Ronaldo] just because he sells jerseys and they get a lot of PR because of it.

“But I think if United are go forward in the direction that they want to be, then Ronaldo can’t be in that team.”

Ronaldo has received plenty of criticism in recent weeks and Parker certainly isn’t the only one to share these views, however the former England international has admitted there are still plenty of other issues that would still need fixing at Old Trafford.

“You also need good people upstairs, a permanent coach and not allow slackers at the club,” Parker added.

“That’s the problem. There’s too many slackers that aren’t governing the coach because they know he’s only interim.

“But I think if he [Ronaldo] played for someone like City - who retain the ball better - then you would see more of Ronaldo in the game.

“At the moment he’s isolated and doesn’t really get many touches of the ball.

“There’s no great pattern of play with United at this moment in time.”

The Red Devils are set to face Atletico Madrid in Spain tonight and Ronaldo could feature from the start.

The former Real Madrid attacker has scored six goals in five Champions League appearances against the Colchoneros and will be hoping to add to his tally upon his return to Madrid.