Shock stat shows how vital Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal contributions have been for Manchester United and why Erik ten Hag could have huge transfer conundrum

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crucial for Manchester United this season, despite what some people have said since returning to the club.

This was evidenced by a stunning statistic on the Portuguese superstar’s goal contributions this campaign.

The Red Devils would be just TEN points above the relegation zone without Ronaldo’s contributions, according to WhoScored.

They would be on fewer points than Brighton, Brentford and Southampton, and currently sit 14th in the table.

That’s up from the sixth spot they currently sit, six points from a Champions League spot, having played one game more than Arsenal and Tottenham.

The 37-year-old, who re-signed for club Juventus last summer, has scored 16 goals and assisted three for the underachieving giants this season.

And, yes, without Ronaldo they would have potentially had someone else in attack scoring their goals.

But he has often done things few other players in world football can, including his winning hat-tricks against Tottenham and Norwich which came when his team needed him most.

🥴 Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League contributions this season (19) have earned Manchester United 15 points. Without them they would only be 10 points above the bottom three pic.twitter.com/zuizstJsjT

—WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 26, 2022

It has been reported that new United boss Erik ten Hag is not interested in keeping him at the club next season.

But maybe after seeing this stat, the Dutchman will want to keep the legend at the club.

It would be difficult to replace a striker who has gained 15 points this season, but could another player complete the team more?

Your move, Erik…