Three Reasons Why Manchester United Should Sell Cristiano Ronaldo – Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in a dramatic turn of events last season, the Red Devils reaped the rewards. Ronaldo was easily their best player last season, scoring 24 goals across 37 games in all competitions.
However, the five-time Ballon d’Or forward still couldn’t help United end their trophy drought. Furthermore, finishing sixth in the Premier League, United missed out on the UEFA Champions League as well.
Missing out on one of the game’s biggest competition has understandably not gone down well with Ronaldo, one of the most successful players in the history of the Champions League. Consequently, Ronaldo is willing to end his stay at Old Trafford after just one season and has already informed the club of his plans.
Manchester United, however, are not willing to let the forward leave at least for one more season. They are doing all they can to ensure Ronaldo remains at the club for the upcoming season.
However, selling Ronaldo after all could be a ‘blessing in disguise’ and United could reap the rewards. As the Ronaldo saga drags on, we are taking a look at three reasons why Manchester United should sell Cristiano Ronaldo.
Pressing game likely to be hampered:
To put it in a line, Erik ten Hag’s system demands tireless pressing which Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to provide. In the last few years, Ronaldo has made a reputation of not pressing the opposition players. It was very much evident under United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick last season.
At one stage, Rangnick had to take the big call of benching the 37-year old in order to implement his pressing game. Ten Hag is known for his pressing tactics. He tasted huge success with his pressing game at Ajax. Ronaldo could hamper his game plan and Ten Hag could be better off without the services of the former Real Madrid and Juventus star.
His inability to press relentlessly, get back into his forward position quickly from a build-up could compromise Ten Hag’s ideas for the team. Stats from last season make it pretty clear that Ronaldo is not suited to the pressing game.
He managed to press an opponent a mere 6 times per game in his 30 league appearances, whereas his teammates like Bruno Fernandes (16) and even Anthony Elanga (13.7) managed more presses.
Not willing to work off the ball:
Another aspect which almost falls in line with the pressing is working off the ball. While Ronaldo is undoubtedly a player who works tirelessly, his age has finally started taking a toll on him.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo is different than the energetic 18-year old Ronaldo who enthralled the world with his energy when he arrived at Old Trafford in 2003. Ronaldo hardly makes an effort to work off the ball and help his teammates defend or regain the ball.
His unwillingness to work off the ball put more pressure on his teammates who had to cover for him. Consequently, they were left out of their position. Such a game plan could very well affect Ten Hag’s strategies and make his work even more tough.
The former Ajax manager believes his attack is the first line of defense. The forwards have to press aggressively in order to win the ball back. Ronaldo hasn’t displayed any of the qualities and hence would be another glitch in the Ten Hag system.
Teammates in pressure to pass the ball to him
That’s for sure came along when Cristiano Ronaldo returned last summer. The mere presence of a player like Ronaldo certainly puts his teammates in the slight pressure to look for him every time they are in possession of the ball.
While it will be the natural tendency to expect that Ronaldo will make something happen, it makes his teammates static. Last season in the league, Ronaldo was the target of an attempted pass for 50 times per game.
Ten Hag would definitely like to implement a different game plan instead of seeing all of his players passing frequently to Ronaldo and hope for a goal.