Manchester United have agonising Cristiano Ronaldo transfer decision to make

It's safe to say Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United hasn't exactly gone to plan.

When he arrived back in Manchester 12 years after his departure to conquer the world, he had a very clear aim in mind — to continue growing his massive medal collection. “I think it’s the best decision that I have made," he told United's official site upon signing for the club from Juventus.

"It’s right on point in my opinion. I moved from Juve now to Manchester, it’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things.”

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In the seven months since that interview, the joyous mood that welcomed Ronaldo's return has faded. United haven't achieved any great results, they won't achieve anything great and they will not win any trophy this season; their five-year silverware drought will continue.

United look highly unlikely to even achieve anything adequate, let alone great, as a spot in the top four is looking less and less achievable with every passing match, the latest being a humiliating 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Everton on Saturday. Ronaldo returned to help United compete in the Champions League and next season they probably won't even be in it.

As a result, Ronaldo's future is now coming into doubt just a year after his Manchester comeback. He still has 12 months remaining on his current deal, with the club holding the option to extend it further. But it's difficult to see him abiding a season of playing on Thursday nights towards the end of his career.

The decision may be taken out of United's