Cristiano Ronaldo has already solved a problem for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo said earlier this week that he is eager to help Manchester United’s next generation of stars.

The club enjoyed FA Youth Cup success this season, with several academy products breaking through into the first team. Anthony Elanga became a regular by the end of the campaign while the likes of Hannibal Mejbri and Alejandro Garnacho were handed senior cameos.

37-year-old Ronaldo enjoyed a successful homecoming, scoring 24 goals to end the season as United’s top scorer. Despite his stellar campaign, he is seemingly well aware that the club need to start looking to the future.

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Speaking earlier this week, Ronaldo said: “You have to give them time, give them the opportunity, and let them grow in a normal way without pressure, but I think we should give opportunities to the young generation.

"They understand to achieve success you have to [make] sacrifices, hard work, ethic of work, dedication, but of course if the kids ask my advice I will give my opinion and advice because I want to help."

His keenness to nurture the club's youngsters may indicate a shift in mentality. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has been the first name on the team sheet. He does not like to be left out, visibly showing his frustration when substituted by Ralf Rangnick at Brentford earlier in the season.

But time waits for no man. Ronaldo was benched for Portugal’s Nations League tie with Spain on Thursday for tactical reasons.

Erik ten Hag looks to be the type of character who would have no problem benching Ronaldo against his wishes. But his desire to see youth flourish suggests that Ronaldo would be less likely to kick up a fuss if it’s for the sake of progressing young stars.

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