Portugal boss Fernando Santos delivers assured Cristiano Ronaldo verdict despite Manchester United predicament

Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the midst of a goal drought, but his international manager has no worries that his impact is diminishing.

The Portuguese superstar has yet to find the net in any of his seven outings this season for Manchester United. He has started just one of the club's six Premier League games this season as Erik ten Hag looks to rely less on the 37-year-old.

But for his country Ronaldo remains integral. His manager Fernando Santos will be hoping his star man can be the catalyst for his team as they look to complete a treble of international honours at the World Cup in Qatar this winter. Santos led the team to victory in the 2016 European Championships and then won the inaugural Nations League three years later.

Read more:Ronaldo can extend 18-year record for United

Winning the grandest prize of all for the first time in Portugal's history would be the icing on the cake and represent a perfect ending on the international stage for Ronaldo.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Santos said: "With him (Ronaldo) like with all the others, I try to understand what situation they find themselves in. I don't think anyone doubts that Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be important for the (Portugal) selection. I have absolutely no worries about Ronaldo's lack of playing time for Manchester United.

"As with any player I have to work out what the situation is with him. But I don't think anyone has any doubts that Ronaldo continues to be of great importance to the national team."

Portugal play Czech Republic and Spain in Nations League games this month before their World Cup opener against Ghana on November 24.

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