CRISTIANO RONALDO looks set to be snubbed for a ‘dream’ Manchester United coaching role – both now and in the future.
As revealed by SunSport earlier this season, Ronaldo wants to end his playing career at Old Trafford and then step into a backroom staff role at the club upon his retirement.
His son Cristiano Jr is on the United academy books so as a coach, he could watch over and influence his development.
But after signing the Portuguese superstar on a two-year contract this summer, the Daily Star state United have no plans to discuss a different role, even down the line.
Instead, senior figures within the club insist he was brought back exclusively as a player – and recognise he could still have plenty more seasons in the tank which would see him play into his 40s.
Ronaldo has scored nine goals in 12 games since returning to England, including five in four in the Champions League.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who is 20-1 to be replaced by his No7 in the dugout – said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he still played when he was 40, not at all, because of the way he looks after himself.
“That’s the key to it – and of course some genes. There must be some genes as well, some DNA in there.
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“His mentality is still absolutely spot-on and that’s a desire from inside that he’s going to keep going until his head says, ‘No, I’ve given everything now.’
“Hopefully it will last a few more years. Age is never a problem.”
Ronaldo showed his managerial instincts in the Euro 2016 final.
After limping off injured in tears, he was energetic and demanding on the sidelines as he barked out instructions to his Portugal team-mates.
And he proved his prowess as a gaffer by emulating his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
With United 2-0 down against Atalanta at half-time, Ronaldo burst into a furious hairdryer treatment to blast his team-mates and inspire them into a second-half comeback.
A source told SunSport: “Cristiano addressed the whole team and told them that the performance was unacceptable.
“He asked if they were not ashamed and said this was not how Manchester United perform in front of their own fans.
“He told them they needed to win the game and, if they didn’t, they might not qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.”
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