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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Ross Jackson

Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United future 'in doubt' as Anthony Martial exit 'still possible'

Welcome to the United On My Mind daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the best Manchester United stories that you might have missed.

Cristiano Ronaldo is never too far away from the back pages and today is no different. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has split opinion since his move back to United and it seems his future at Old Trafford isn't entirely clear.

Another man whose career is up in the air is Anthony Martial. Sevilla's interest in the Frenchman looked to have petered out but he could yet be offered a United exit this month.

And finally, Paul Pogba is nearing a return to first-team duties but a club legend isn't so sure he should be brought back into the fold.

Cristiano exit?

Say what you like about his work ethic and his desire to help the team, Ronaldo will always score goals.

The most prolific scorer in men's international football ever has made some crucial interventions since rejoining United, but his status as one of the biggest superstars in football doesn't mean he'll be afforded any special treatment.

The Athletic report that Ronaldo's wages will be slashed by 25% if the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League this season, something that looks to be a very real possibility given they currently lie seventh in the table.

The Daily Express have even gone as far as to suggest the pay cut could throw his future at the club into doubt.

Ronaldo's time at United could be over if they don't finish in the top four (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

Our view: It would be a massive shame if Ronaldo's homecoming only lasted a year, but at the same time it would force the club to start planning for the future - something they've long been guilty of not doing.

His exit could see players like Anthony Elanga offered more game time as Mason Greenwood moves into the centre, so it really wouldn't be the end of the world.

Sevilla not giving up on Martial

Marca report that Sevilla could yet reignite their interest in wantaway forward Martial.

The LaLiga outfit's chief executive Maurizio Arrivabene recently claimed it was unlikely they would sign the France international this month, but it's now understood they're willing to give the move another chance.

Martial has started just two of United's league games this season and is yet to play a single minute under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Our view: United need to ship Martial out of the club as fast as possible.

His public spat with Rangnick, in which the pair provided contrasting stories on why Martial wasn't named on the bench against Aston Villa, doesn't reflect well on the club, and the issue could disrupt the dressing room if it's allowed to go any further.

Pogba's return a risk?

In an exclusive interview with Talk of the Devils, former United midfielder Sammy McIlroy has warned throwing Pogba back into the mix once he's recovered from injury could be a risky move.

Pogba hasn't featured for United since early November and, despite Rangnick's recent comments that suggested the midfielder would be welcomed back into the fray, McIlroy isn't sure his return is healthy for the side.

"It’s obviously a tricky situation and if Pogba comes in and plays well in a run of games United win, then you can say the right decision has been made," McIlroy claimed.

"It has the potential to create even more unrest, though, and that’s the last thing the club needs at this moment in time. What they need is togetherness to get results. “

Our view: I can completely understand why Rangnick would welcome back a player of Pogba's quality with open arms but I also take McIlroy's point.

Pogba hasn't been a consistent performer since moving back to United. If he doesn't produce his best football then whoever he replaces in the starting XI will surely start to wonder why he's getting the nod over them, considering he could yet leave the club for nothing in the summer.

Would you be disappointed if Ronaldo left in the summer? Follow our United On My Mind writer Ross Jackson on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below

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