Roy Keane sends Cristiano Ronaldo challenge to incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes Cristiano Ronaldo can play a role in Erik ten Hag's plans at Old Trafford.

Keane made the admission after Ronaldo netted his 23rd goal of the season in United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Thursday evening. Just two minutes after falling behind to Marcos Alonso's 60th-minute opener, Ronaldo pulled the home side level with an emphatic finish from inside the penalty area.

It marked his fifth goal in his last four appearances and took his tally of Premier League goals this season to 17. It means that Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is the only player to have scored more this term.

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Despite that, United's decision to re-sign Ronaldo last summer has continued to attract criticism, with some claiming that his return to the club has been the architect of their downfall. But considering he has scored 23 goals this season, it is hard to make that argument stack up.

He has often been criticised for his lack of pressing when United are out of possession and his energy levels off the ball. However, Keane believes so long as United have got players within their ranks that can fulfil the ugly side of the game, Ronaldo should remain within their plans, suggesting that Ten Hag should make full use of him when he arrives at Old Trafford this summer.

"This is the manager's biggest challenge, working with these big personalities," Keane told Sky Sports. "He [Ten Hag] has to get a team that can compete, and that is hard.

"He likes to have a team that is pressing and Ronaldo is not good at that. But I still think you can have Ronaldo in your team and have other players who can do that.

"[Eric]