He’s Back! What does signing Ronaldo mean for United?
In perhaps one of the most sensational transfer backflips in history, Cristiano Ronaldo rejecting Manchester City in favour of Manchester United sent not just United fans, but football fans into raptures. One of the greatest footballers ever, Ronaldo is returning to the club that gave him the opportunity to develop into the product that he is now.
He returns to Old Trafford after 12 years away in Spain with Real Madrid and in Italy with Juventus. Of course, there were doubts over whether Manchester United should’ve gone for Ronaldo considering his age and perhaps the fact that we have that many young and exciting attackers. However, the prospect of seeing Ronaldo in sky blue clearly forced the club into action.
Ronaldo is an icon, not just of Manchester United, but of the game and to now have him back at the club, could be the turn of the tide for the race for the Premier League title. He brings a mentality and a presence to the dressing room that has been lacking ever since the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2017.
It’s been mentioned in the media by various journalists, players and managers the winning mentality Ronaldo possesses. His drive to succeed and his willingness to be the best he can be just shows why now at the age of 36 that he is still going strong.
He’s got an incredible physique and it is unbelievable how he keeps himself in such tremendous shape. Most footballers would’ve retired even before the age of 36, but not Ronaldo.
Manchester United this season, have only played two games, but there have been elements that have shown why we can compete for the title but also elements that suggest we are not ready for the title yet.
Clearly our attack has been in great shape, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood standing out. Paul Pogba as well, with his creativity producing 5 assists in two games. Yet the striker issue is one that really needs to be addressed.
For me, United lacked a focal point with their attack. Someone that has a presence in the box, can move and hold up the ball. This screamed of signing someone like Harry Kane or Erling Haaland. But their valuation would’ve been completely unrealistic for us to negotiate for, this late in the window.
Mason Greenwood has potential to be United’s number 9, however I don’t think he’s ready yet, although under the guidance of both Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, I think Greenwood’s trajectory will only get better.
On the other hand, Anthony Martial has been really disappointing. I may be overly critical of Martial, however this has been a problem over the last few years that he has played as the striker for United; his movement is non-existent and his attitude is poor.
Too often, I’ve seen Martial barely moving to either create space for himself or others, or even just to receive the ball. As a consequence, he often stops, throws his arms in the air and pulls a face. Not the kind of response you would want from an attacker.
Edinson Cavani would’ve been our number 9 for 65% of this season, however he seems to be more committed to play for his country in international fixtures rather than play in important games for his club.
Now, enter Cristiano Ronaldo. Another aspect that has allowed for his longevity in the game is his adaptability. He knew that as he was entering his 30s that he couldn’t be the electric and quick winger that he used to be. So, he adjusted his game to become a prolific striker and he has produced very good numbers.
Ronaldo would provide an option both aerially and on the ground for United, as well as being a presence in the box. Further, he is consistent, which many United players have been criticised for not showing enough of, over the last few seasons.
Also, his leadership and experience will be pivotal in helping this team challenge for honours both in England and in Europe. As mentioned before, he would also provide a very efficient and elite mentor for Mason Greenwood.
Imagine, for a second, being Mason Greenwood where you would know that you would go into training learning off the likes of Ronaldo and Cavani. This will be huge for his development.
While Cristiano Ronaldo has only signed a 2 year deal with the club, I, like many United fans can’t wait to see the legend back home and we will just make the most of his last dance at Old Trafford. He is where he belongs and it will be unbelievable to see him playing in that famous Manchester United jersey again.
