Cristiano Ronaldo was unequivocal when, on the eve of Portugal's World Cup play-off final game, he was asked about retiring from international football.
“I'm the one who will decide my future, no-one else,” said Ronaldo. “If I feel like playing more, I'll play. If not, I don't play. I'm in charge, period.” Although the question was related to his international career, if Ronaldo has no intention of calling it a day with Portugal, after 185 caps and 115 goals, it is fair to say his club career has a few more chapters to run, too.
The accepted wisdom is that if Manchester United fail to qualify for the Champions League this season, Ronaldo will be on his way, after just one year back at Old Trafford following his much-heralded return. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner and global icon is unlikely to want to grub around in the Europa League, a competition he has never played in and one he undoubtedly feels is not befitting his exalted status.
The prospect of Ronaldo turning out against such obscure opponents such as FC Midtjylland or Eintracht Frankfurt in European football's second-tier club competition is fanciful to say the least. And with United down in sixth place, four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand, there is every chance of them failing to make the Champions League for next season.
What then for United and Ronaldo? The 37-year-old may not want to stick around and suffer the indignity of playing on Thursday nights, but few other clubs will be able to afford his current £500,000-a-week wages, which will provide Ronaldo and his camp with a dilemma over his future.
If United fail to make the Champions League, does he swallow his pride and stay for the final year of his contract, with the only realistic trophies available the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League? Or does he seek a move elsewhere, where he would inevitably have to take a wage cut, to enable him to continue playing on the stage he thrives the most – the Champions League, a competition he has won five times and in which he is the leading goalscorer and appearance maker?
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United are already planning for life after Ronaldo, with their pursuit of Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane. If United can succeed where Manchester City failed last summer and lure Kane to Old Trafford, that will signal Ronaldo's exit, given he will not entertain the prospect of being cast in the role of understudy to the England captain.
Ronaldo's majestic hat-trick in United's epic 3-2 win over Tottenham – with Kane strangely subdued in that game – was a timely reminder of his enduring class despite his age. But United know they need to recruit a striker this summer, with Edinson Cavani on his way and Ronaldo unable to lead the line every game, even if he were to stay.
He may be in charge of his own destiny when it comes to the international scene, but it seems Ronaldo's club future is out of his hands and will be decided for him, with everything riding on whether United make the Champions League and which striker they can sign this summer.
