Ronaldo has been Manchester United’s most consistent player this season…….in playing rubbish

I have watched Cristiano Ronaldo closely this season and I can only surmise that he has been Manchester United’s worst outfield player so far. Simply, but harshly put, he is just an eye-sore to watch. No player has been more careless with the ball this season than Ronaldo, and no player has been more wasteful, even in front of goal. I cannot recall when last Ronaldo successfully completed a dribble. He strikes me as someone who plays as if he is doing the club a favor.

I was never in support of Man United landing Ronaldo last summer. He just wasn’t needed. Agreed United’s attack needed some bolstering, but definitely not from whatever Cristiano had to offer. His return to United was merely to score an off-field point against ‘noisy neighbors’ City. I don’t think the baggage he comes with was properly considered. I’ll explain why.

Since Cristiano’s arrival, Rashford has been a shadow of his former self, Greenwood, who usually fires from all cylinders has been inexplicably shy in front of goal, and sadly shining star Bruno Fernandes has just been awful, misfiring and misplacing passes (very unlike him last season). That’s the cowering effect of Ronaldo. Watch those players closely, none of them will take a shot at goal unless they are absolutely sure Ronaldo is not available for an attempt. It is only then that they would attempt a shot on target.

Edison Cavani was one of United’s best players last season. He scored some very important goals for the club, some of which were absolute beauties, especially the breathtaking volley against Fulham in May 2021. I dare say that without Cavani and Fernandes, United wouldn’t have finished in second place last season. But guess what, not only has Cavani been benched this season on Ronaldo’s arrival, he was also stripped of the number 7 shirt!

I can’t think of any player on a red shirt worse than Ronaldo so far this season and I make bold to say this. Not even Maguire, the fridge, nor the one-legged Wan Bissaka. All United’s players have lost their oomph since Ronaldo’s arrival. I miss the witty Fernandes, the sharp Rashford, the sleek Cavani, and the defenders nightmare, Greenwood. Martial is completely gone.

The most worrisome part is that coaches are afraid of substituting Ronaldo even in the face of poor play. is ‘un-subbable’. On separate occasions, Ole and Ragnick substituted him but not without him raising all the tantrums there was to raise and the coaches explaining their lives away. He remains the darling boy of the media who would rather use his one lucky goal or assist as headline news while ignoring the grind and sweat of Fred & McTominay (engine room).

Ronaldo cost Ole his job and he will still cost Ragnick his. The same goes for whoever takes over from Ragnick. For as long as Ronaldo remains in United, they can as well bid any hopes of silverware goodbye.

Alpha Chiemezie Madu

February 05 2022