Man Utd: 'People are scared' of 142-goal star at Old Trafford

Manchester United will profit from keeping Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford as ‘people are scared of him’ when he is on the pitch, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Although he only returned to the Red Devils for a second spell last year, there was speculation over whether Ronaldo would move onto pastures new ahead of last Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has revealed that the Serie A side did not enter negotiations over a move for Ronaldo during the summer transfer window.

It comes after it had initially been reported that super agent Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese star’s representative, had approached the Italian giants over a potential switch.

Ronaldo’s Manchester United future was thrown into doubt when he told the club hierarchy that he was keen to leave Old Trafford ahead of the deadline due to his wish to compete in this season’s Champions League.

Although a move failed to materialise, Mendes also held a meeting with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly in Portugal, where a transfer to Stamford Bridge was discussed.

It is understood that Mendes returned to west London to investigate whether a switch would be possible just days before the deadline, but an offer was not forthcoming.

Jones believes Manchester United will benefit from holding onto Ronaldo because defenders will be frightened of facing him.

The journalist feels the 37-year-old strikes fear into opponents and, as a result, the Red Devils and boss Erik ten Hag could profit.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “That’s what you’ve got with Ronaldo – people are scared of him.

“It doesn’t matter how old he gets, people are going to be scared of the fact that he’s Cristiano Ronaldo and he’s capable of pretty much anything.”

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