Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Manchester United team on Thursday (Picture: Getty Images)
Robbie Fowler believes it would be best for club and player if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Manchester United, although warned the superstar that he will need to take a pay cut to play regularly at a good level.
Ronaldo is trying to deal with his new role in the United squad, which largely sees him used as a substitute in the Premier League, making it into the starting XI in the Europa League.
The 37-year-old is not happy about it, refusing to come on as a sub against Tottenham earlier this month and being left out of the squad for the Premier League clash with Chelsea as a result.
He retuned to the side on Thursday and scored against Sheriff Tiraspol, but Fowler believes it is obvious that Erik ten Hag does not see Ronaldo as a big part of his plans and it would be best for everyone if he left as soon as possible.
‘It is quite clear that Ronaldo doesn’t fit into that plan, so the best concern for all parties is if he goes,’ Fowler told the Mirror. ‘The simple answer I can give you. He is a great player but if he wants to play close to 90 minutes then he has got to go.’
The Liverpool legend says Ronaldo’s situation reminds him of his own during his time at Anfield, when he was left out of the side and felt he had to leave, moving to Leeds in 2001.
Robbie Fowler made the memorable move from Liverpool to Leeds in 2001 (Picture: Getty Images)
However, Fowler says Ronaldo must accept that a pay cut will come with any move away from Old Trafford to a top league.
‘As a player, it is hard to get your head around that you aren’t the first player being picked for the team,’ said Fowler.
‘That’s why I left Liverpool for Leeds. I felt for me and my game, as much as I love Liverpool, I needed to play football. I felt I was forced out of the club by not playing but I needed to go and play for my own sanity.
‘The money situation is massive and any club in the world would take him. If he wants to continue to play at a good level then unfortunately for him he will have to take a huge pay cut. He should be aware of that.’
MORE : Ronaldo’s back and in the goals as United cruise to victory over Sheriff Tiraspol
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‘It is quite clear that Ronaldo doesn’t fit into that plan.’