Nev, Keane: 'Bright light' Ronaldo can have role under Ten Hag

Gary Neville and Roy Keane both believe Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring feats can make up for faults in his defensive game at Man Utd under Erik ten Hag next season.

Ronaldo moved level with Heung-min Son in joint second in the Premier League goalscoring charts with his 17th of the season on Thursday, earning United a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Thursday evening with what was his fifth strike in his last three games for the club.

The 37-year-old has scored eight of United's last nine goals, including match-winning hat-tricks against Tottenham and Norwich, in an emphatic response to criticism that came his way earlier in the season during a run of one goal in 10 games.

Neville and Keane both highlighted Ronaldo's ill fit for Ten Hag's high-pressing style, but said the five-time Ballon D'Or winner's sheer quality meant he should have a chance to see out the second of his two-year contract at Old Trafford.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville said: "He lifts the fans, he gets them on the edge of their seats, takes his chances, and it'll be really interesting to see what happens with Erik Ten Hag.

"We knows he plays with an aggressive press, he tries to win the ball high up the pitch, that isn't Cristiano's strong point and we know that. But he will want a goalscorer. He will want someone who can put the ball in the back of the net 20 or 25 times.

"Can Manchester United use him as a bridge next season to get them through Erik Ten Hag's first season? Ronaldo is a phenomenon. He's achieved everything and more in the game, his professionalism is beyond anything you could ever wish for, really.

"He still continues - his persistence, his determination to score goals is absolutely incredible. You can't speak highly enough