Can Cristiano Ronaldo Make Manchester United Title Contenders Again?

Oladipupo Mojeed Sports 04/09/2021

Cristiano Ronaldo was seemingly destined for the Etihad Stadium to join Manchester City but a remarkable U-turn in the turn of events saw him return to Manchester United, thereby ending a remarkable story after 12 years since his departure.

A period where Ronaldo has scored 551 goals in 572 appearances for Real Madrid and Juventus. Adding four more Champions Leagues to the one he claimed with Manchester United and a whole lot more besides.

Ronaldo’s return is a thrilling and emotive prospect for supporters, who adores him and still sings his name in the terraces. Will his extraordinary trophy-hoarding success continue under his former team mate, Ole Gunner Solskjaer? And what kind of player are United getting all these years later?

Ronaldo is undoubtedly a different player from the one that left Old Trafford more than a decade ago. But even at 36 years old, he remains an exceptional goal scorer. The reports linking Manchester United legend Ronaldo with a move away from Juventus to their city rivals had sent the entire fanbase into a frenzy.

The Journey So Far

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time at Manchester United has divided opinions among football fans and pundits. Many Man United fans see his stay as disappointing. Despite the club reaching the Europa League final last season and coming second behind Man City.

The pessimism stem from the fact that Solskjaer is yet to win any diadem in his 2½ years in charge. Losing four semi-finals and a Europa League final during his stay. However, you could also argue that, he has also done a decent job so far.

The Norwegian has somehow managed to stabilise the club. And seems to be building a most likeable squad since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Ronaldo is now the all-time highest goalscorer in the international scene (Photo credit: Getty Images)

It is quite undeniable also that some progress has been made under Ole’s reign in terms of the quality of football played. The Red Devils are now looking more like the Manchester United of old. Although, their performance has seen some inconsistencies, their league standing has improved. United have finished in the top four in consecutive years for the first time in seven years.

After finishing 2nd last season. Twelve points behind Pep Guardiola’s men, the Norwegian has certainly been backed by the Glaziers this summer. And naturally, the demand for trophies seem to have gone up a notch.

What Ronaldo Brings To Current Manchester United Side

Ronaldo is unarguably one of the best players to have ever played the game. The Portuguese talisman doesn’t seem to be slowing down even at his age. Just on Wednesday; Ronaldo became the record highest goalscorer in international football after he helped Portugal beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 in World Cup qualifying.

The Manchester United forward has now scored 111 international goals. Breaking a record of 109 goals previously held by Iran’s Ali Daei. He recently won the Serie A golden boot and Euro 2020 golden boot.

Goals is definitely a certainty when Ronaldo joins any club and with the creativity of the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, and Jadon Sancho. He could become the goal machine United has desperately needed over the years.

Ronaldo will also raise the performance of every player in the team. This is because he’s a player everyone at the club will look up to. Players at Man United will give their all to play with the five-time world footballer of the year. And would look to him as a natural leader. He is also known to demand the very best from his teammates and this, he will get and much more. His his insatiable hunger to win everything possible in the game will also propel the Red Devils to greater heights.

Ronaldo’s experience of winning countless trophies in his career should also be a bonus to a squad that has failed to win something together despite coming so close several times.

Being at the top of his game for over 15 years. Young forwards such as Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho would learn a lot from his experience and his work ethic on and off the pitch.

Although he is not the same exciting winger that left the club 12 years ago. He definitely still has a lot to offer to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Could Manchester United Then Challenge For The Title?

Anything short of a trophy this season would be deemed insufficient for Manchester United, who have managed to do some amazing piece of business this summer. After succeeding at bringing in Tom Heaton, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho alongside Christiano Ronaldo before the transfer deadline.

However, they didn’t improve in the position of a defensive midfielder. Despite links to the likes of Declan Rice, Ruben Neves, and the new Chelsea player, Saul Niguez.

Manchester United’s performance against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers shows how the lack of improvement in this position could hinder their title charge. United struggled to progress the ball into the opponent’s half. They’ve also struggled to break down set defences and low blocks. The current options in the role lack the ability to make penetrative passes and switch plays.

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There’s also question marks over the right-back situation as Aaron Wan Bissaka who’s excellent defensively, doesn’t offer much going forward. Diogo Dalot who is also back after his loan spell at AC Milan is better going forward but doesn’t offer the defensive solidity Wan Bissaka brings to the side.

Liverpool, Manchester City, and Liverpool all have great sides, with the inch-perfect first team. This could see them edge United in the title race. Nevertheless, Manchester United have a side good enough to challenge for the title. Especially with the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo.