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When Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in the summer of 2021 to a loud and proud welcome, you could sense the apprehensions simmering beneath the surface. Was Manchester United's style of play going to be compromised now? What happens to the young and talented forwards now?
There were several questions on everyone's minds. Ronaldo has definitely had an impact on his return to Manchester United. The legendary Portuguese has since produced multiple rescue acts for the Red Devils.
He has essentially kept them alive in the Champions League. While he has made some crucial contributions, it's also important to ask whether Cristiano Ronaldo has truly improved this team.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United played some fluid attacking football in the 2020-21 season. Fast-paced, sweeping counterattacks were part and parcel of their style of play.
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But that's something we've not seen on a consistent basis this season. Manchester United's performances in the 2021-22 season have been considerably inferior to their displays from last season. What has changed? We believe Cristiano Ronaldo's introduction has been more of a curse than a blessing.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Manchester United.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to win trophies at Manchester United
Ronaldo is a very ambitious player and he has been a serial winner throughout his career. His first spell at Manchester United was extremely successful. He won three Premier League titles, one Champions League title, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup during his first stint at Old Trafford.
Much has changed since then at Manchester United. They are in the middle of a culture reset and simply put, they do not resemble a trophy winning side.
Ronaldo has entered the twilight of his career. If he really desires to add to his trophy collection, he should go to a more sorted side that can mount title challenges.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo is impeding the growth of Manchester United's youngsters
Manchester United are a club that prides itself on its ability to develop youngsters. Their academy is one of the best in the world and has produced world-class talents on a consistent basis. The new crop of Manchester United youngsters possess a lot of potential.
However, with Ronaldo playing almost every game, there is immense competition for a starting berth. If Ronaldo starts, the other forwards will need to take up a position on the flanks. Mason Greenwood has hardly played as a striker since Ronaldo joined the club.
Anthony Martial has nearly been frozen out of the club. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga are having to fight it out for a starting berth. There are also other youngsters like Amad Diallo, Facundo Pellistri (currently on loan at Deportivo Alaves) and Shole Shoretire who won't even get a look in.
The profiles of all the other forwards that Manchester United have are similar. They are young, fleet footed and pacy customers. There are plenty of combinations that could work but for now they're stuck choosing partners for Ronaldo or Edinson Cavani.
#3 Manchester United need a more dynamic centre-forward
Cristiano Ronaldo increased his longevity by shifting from the left wing to a more central role. He effectively went from being a wide forward to a striker. Ronaldo is a fox-in-the-box whose predatory instincts have earned Manchester United some valuable points this season.
However, it comes at a cost. The Portuguese international's link-up play is nowhere near the level it used to be. He is a lot more static compared to the rest of the Manchester United forwards.
Given the way United played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and how they're looking to play under Ralf Rangnick, it is clear that they need a dynamic centre-forward. They need more fluidity in the final third and Ronaldo is simply not the right man for the job.
Manchester United also do not have expert crossers in their side and Ronaldo's aerial ability will remain underutilized. That's one of the strongest points of his game right now and without it, he is nowhere near as effective as he could be.
#2 Ronaldo is making Ralf Rangnick's job difficult
Cristiano Ronaldo seemed very annoyed when he was taken off in the 71st minute of the game against Brentford on Wednesday night. United were leading 2-0 and you can understand why Ronaldo would be frustrated. He wanted to get his goal.
But it's important to note that the Portuguese international had been out for three games with a minor injury and had just made his return. Manchester United also have a weekend game against West Ham United for which Rangnick needs Ronaldo.
After being taken off, the 36-year-old sat in the dugout ranting about the manager's decision. Rangnick had to go over and calm him down. The last thing a manager tasked with turning things around at a club as big as Manchester United needs is to be managing these big egos.
This ought to be 'trial and error' time for Rangnick. Unfortunately, he cannot do that when there are players like Ronaldo around.
#1 Ronaldo hampers Bruno Fernandes' freedom to express himself
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick in Manchester United's Premier League season opener against Leeds United. Ronaldo's compatriot flourishes as a second striker or a number 10 who scores a lot of goals. He scored 28 goals and provided 17 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United in the 2020-21 season.
His goalscoring contributions have dwindled this term. Fernandes has scored just seven goals in 27 appearances so far this season.
The drop in numbers has a lot to do with Ronaldo. The 36-year-old's arrival has forced Fernandes to take up a much deeper role. He has affected games regularly but he rarely gets into goalscoring positions with Ronaldo hogging the central areas in and around the box.
Fernandes bagged a brace against Aston Villa and Ronaldo was absent from the team in that game. He set up Rashford for United's third goal against Brentford on Wednesda night after Ronaldo was taken off and almost got himself on the scoresheet too.
It's clear as day that Fernandes thrives when he is given the freedom to bomb forward and get into goalscoring positions. Once Pogba is back, he should ideally take up the role of primary playmaker, forcing Fernandes to play in a much more advanced role like he used to.
