Manchester United ‘confident’ star will stay due to lack of interest in player

Manchester United travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday, hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier League after being humiliated in the Manchester derby last weekend. 

Erik ten Hag’s side were thrashed 6-3 by rivals Manchester City, and weren’t much improved when struggling past Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Red Devils now face Frank Lampard’s side, who have conceded fewer goals than any other Premier League team so far this season.

Supporters will be interested to see whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo retains his place in the starting 11, with the Portuguese having started only one of United’s seven league matches so far this term.

The 37-year-old has started all three Europa League ties, but has struggled for game time in the league and was an unused substitute during the Manchester derby loss.

Speculation has been building that the forward will depart the club in January, but a new report has suggested that United are ‘confident’ that the player will instead stay put.

According to ESPN, The Red Devils believe that Ronaldo will remain at the club beyond January as he hasn’t attracted enough interest from other clubs.

Ronaldo is yet to score in the Premier League so far this season

The report claims that the player could once again push for a move away from the club, having looked to leave over the summer in an effort to secure Champions League football.

Despite his prolific goal scoring record, United only received one offer for the player over the summer.

An unnamed Saudi Arabian club made a lucrative bid but the offer was rejected by both the player and his current employer.

If Ronaldo could find a move to a club competing in the Champions League, he would be able to play in the knockout rounds of the competition despite having played in UEFA’s secondary competition this season for United.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford last summer, 12 years after initially departing the club, and made an instant impact upon his return.

The Portuguese scored 24 goals in 38 games across all competitions, but his only goal so far this season was a penalty against Moldovan side FC Sheriff.

Now, Ronaldo may struggle once again to secure a move to a high-profile club.

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid were linked with a shock move over the summer, while a return to former club Sporting Lisbon was also suggested.

In total, Ronaldo has played just 207 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.