It now looks increasingly likely that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be turning out for Manchester United this season. After just one year back at the Old Trafford club, the global superstar has asked for a move away and there is no lack of clubs eager to court the Portugal international.
Sports betting sites will no doubt alter the odds for championship contenders wherever Ronaldo ends up. But will he actually be able to have an effect on another new club? His second spell at Old Trafford is widely regarded as something of a failure. But why is that? And what comes next for arguably the greatest player of all time?
The Return of CR7
When it was announced last summer that Cristiano Ronaldo was sounding out a return to the English Premier League, it initially looked like he was going to join Manchester City. That would have been a huge story in Manchester and around the world.
He was eventually convinced otherwise and returned to Manchester United to great ovation from the fans that remembered how important he was to the club’s success the first time around. He began well, scoring two goals in a win over Newcastle. But the season did not pan out as planned – and now it looks like he will be pulling on a different colour shirt this season.
Problems Off the Pitch
There is no denying that Cristiano Ronaldo is an exceptional player and will go down in history as one of the greats. But even his most ardent fans might not describe him as a team player. It is his individual skills and talent that are coveted when a club looks to sign him.
There have apparently been issues between Ronaldo and Harry Maguire in the Old Trafford changing room too. Ronaldo was unhappy that his views were not given as much time as Maguire’s. The latter is the United captain though and might expect his teammates to listen. Younger players have also shown disrespect according to Ronaldo.
Tactical Issues
Many on field problems actually begin with issues off the pitch, like the ones outlined above. But there has been an extra problem for Manchester United in the season just gone. Ronaldo brings a different level to attacking opponents – but he doesn’t fit into a system.
There is a tactical trend now for hard pressing all over the pitch, including from the forwards. That is never going to be Ronaldo’s style – and the entire system fails if just one player refuses to do his part. Ronaldo plays his own game and that has largely caused problems for United’s defending.
Can Ronaldo Still Excel?
A player who will be 38 by the time next season ends would not normally be of interest to a lot of lower league sides, let alone the elite clubs of Europe. But, as we have already mentioned, Ronaldo is different. His physical fitness is incredible and there is no doubt that he can keep on playing for a few seasons yet.
Whether he will excel or not is another question entirely. Most English Premier League clubs are set up in largely the same way and that means that Ronaldo may have just the same problems at Chelsea that he has had at United this season. The EPL may not be the right place for him anymore.
What Now for United and Ronaldo?
Ronaldo does look like he will be leaving Manchester United and Chelsea have been the main club linked with a transfer. But that might not be good news for Thomas Tuchel, who gives his players very precise instructions to work to a system. That could mean that Ronaldo doesn’t make the move to Stamford Bridge.
One of the reasons for his wish to leave United is that he wants to continue to play Champions League football for the rest of his career. That narrows down the options a little more and Ronaldo would probably be a better fit back at Juventus. But that moves looks unlikely. It will be interesting to see just how effective he is, wherever he ends up.
