[Strelok]

My theory is that he will get better service. Bruno tries to pass it to Ronaldo regardless of position and movement, meaning that the service he gets is often useless and / or misplaced.
A Donny or Sancho in the 10 role will distribute the balls more effectively and smart and thus create chances closer to goal that are easier to convert. Ronaldo might get less passes but the ones he would get would be easier to convert and closer to goal.

Ok I see. Less quantity but better quality. We'll see but tbh I don't want him to play for us ever again. We're a much better team without him. We've played some fantastic games this season without him but once he was back in the side we instantly looked shit again.

 

[Borys]

Just curious why? You think he'd be better with less service for him?

The team performance might be better because we'd stop wasting our possession on Ronaldo but I can't think of any logic or scenario that Ronaldo would be better without Bruno. Ronaldo is always demanding everyone to pass to him for a reason. He can't create for himself or beat a man anymore. Without any service you probably won't even notice he's playing.

But no Bruno in the team doesn't mean we're playing 10 men, we just shape differently. It is very likely we will not lose any "creativity" if we can give Erikson more freedom (for example in most advanced position in midfield 3). Keep in mind Eriksen has 3 assists in the league compared to 1 from Bruno (5 to 1 in all competitions). And it's Bruno who is getting all the freedom, while Eriksen plays deeper to adjust to that.

Also, if we stop losing possession and get better at ball progression, then we will be able to create chances better than playing direct football than we sometimes do with Bruno pulling the strings (he's been better recently, I have to admit).

I don't know if Ronaldo will be better without Bruno, I think it's irrelevant as Ronaldo problems are "internal", he plays decent overall game but can't finish chances. Bruno IMO is the least important player in our setup.

It will be very interesting to see how we play without Bruno, because so far it seems we either shaped in Bruno-central 4231 or no shape at all (like second half against Chelsea and West Ham).

 

[Lyng]

Ok I see. Less quantity but better quality. We'll see but tbh I don't want him to play for us ever again. We're a much better team without him. We've played some fantastic games this season without him but once he was back in the side we instantly looked shit again.

I agree with you, but right now we are "forced" to use him, and thus it would make sense to try to at least get the best out of him until Martial returns or we can get a new striker.

 

[NoPace]

It's weird seeing the GOAT have trouble with linking passes and having no control over his shots, like against West Ham today. I'd say he put himself about more in this game than he has in the past several times he's played. The problem is our style changes to suit him, instead of it being the other way around. We keep trying to land crosses onto his bonce or play him in between the defenders, when what we need is a player who takes the ball facing goal and beats his man. Ronaldo can't seem to beat his man - any man - any more, which means he has to be slipped in, but his pace isn't what it used to be so he has less time to compose and shoot. It's a knock-on effect. What's worse is when he drops back so he's the lowest up the pitch of our 4 attackers, and he tries a couple short passes - those passes don't get us up the pitch and don't get anyone in position for a run or a cross, they just waste time.

I'm glad Ronaldo tried harder against West Ham. I think if we had a fit Martial, Martial plays ahead of him, no question. At this point, I'd think a more fluid #9 would suit us better, even if that's an academy kid pushed into the first team. Rashford burst into the first team because we were out of options, I think we should look to our prospects.

And I think we should be doing everything humanly possibly to move him on in the January window.

Agree with all this. A lot of the good stuff in attack we do seems like it would suit Martial, Joao Felix, Lautaro or Jonathan David much more than Cristiano. Lots of quick passing moves with the ball to feet. A big man who links well like Dzeko or Giroud (too old obviously) than is good at linking play, can win physical battles and finish might make sense too, though not sure I can think of a 23 to 27 year old one offhand.

 

[Mainoldo]

Hopefully he leaves in January. He’s a liability with an aura that doesn’t suit his current performance level. Like Gazza for England in the late 90’s

 

[Swoobs]

Our problem is we don’t have any kid coming through who could play as number 9 any time soon. The only out and out strikers are miles below the standard required. And yes, that means not even as good as Ronaldo.

Well then get that youngling to press more, and that will also prevent the pass to xxx at all cost tactic

 

[El Zoido]

It’s quite sad to see him play these days. If this was a youth player putting in these kinds of performances we’d be saying he’d probably have a good career in the Championship. Ronaldo, for all his arrogance, must surely be aware that his time is up.

 

[pacifictheme]

Our problem is we don’t have any kid coming through who could play as number 9 any time soon. The only out and out strikers are miles below the standard required. And yes, that means not even as good as Ronaldo.

Greenwood would have solved this issue. We basically lost a 70 million quid home grown striker.

As for Ronaldo, the other night he was worryingly off target for us. We need him because we can't play the same 3 every game and martial is made of glass. But he needs replacing with a proper striker as soon as possible.

 

[Rilz]

He is comically bad right now.

Forget the name, if he had any other name would he be starting for any top 10 team right now?

 

[Strelok]

I agree with you, but right now we are "forced" to use him, and thus it would make sense to try to at least get the best out of him until Martial returns or we can get a new striker.

Tbh I'd prefer us giving the precious game time to our youngsters. Garnacho looks pretty promising imo. Can't be worse because Ronaldo is currently offering basically nothing if not a huge detriment to how we play.

A youngster is at least faster, has more energy, work harder and especially doesn't have an ego the size of the moon and being utterly selfish like Ronaldo. Imo Rashford wouldn't be what he's today if not for the chance LVG gave him. The situation is also very similar.

Rashford is not a proper #9, same as Ronaldo but atm he's simply far better than Ronaldo there. We surely can start that lad Garnacho as our LW and Rashford as the #9. Would be much better imo.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

He is comically bad right now.

Forget the name, if he had any other name would he be starting for any top 10 team right now?

You can remove “top 10” from that and it would still be a valid question.

 

[No Idea For Nickname]

Just read on tweety thing Messi is in talks with Inter Miami. Here's an idea! They can be only club in the world to have two of them on the pitch in the same team. Would do magic for MLS and Inter Miami, I can see it right now: "Messi gets the ball, dribbles two players, woah, looks up, wonderful pass to Ronaldo, who does sombero, woah, and hits the ball in top right corner, and it is 1-0 for IM!!!!! What a brilliant football by two goats."

You know you want to do it Becks. Go on, I dare you!

 

[Borys]

Greenwood would have solved this issue. We basically lost a 70 million quid home grown striker.

As for Ronaldo, the other night he was worryingly off target for us. We need him because we can't play the same 3 every game and martial is made of glass. But he needs replacing with a proper striker as soon as possible.

In form Greenwood would be close to double figures now with the chances Ronaldo gets.

 

[Mickeza]

He is comically bad right now.

Forget the name, if he had any other name would he be starting for any top 10 team right now?

He’d still have started for us yesterday because ETH wants to drum home to Sancho that intensity matters hence why he’s being benched and we literally have nobody else.

 

[tenpoless]

Greenwood would have solved this issue. We basically lost a 70 million quid home grown striker

Never heard of him. I know Wellback and Christ Eagles but Wingwood? who is that? stop creating fictional players.

 

[Swoobs]

Tbh I'd prefer us giving the precious game time to our youngsters. Garnacho looks pretty promising imo. Can't be worse because Ronaldo is currently offering basically nothing if not a huge detriment to how we play.

A youngster is at least faster, has more energy, work harder and especially doesn't have an ego the size of the moon and being utterly selfish like Ronaldo. Imo Rashford wouldn't be what he's today if not for the chance LVG gave him. The situation is also very similar.

Rashford is not a proper #9, same as Ronaldo but atm he's simply far better than Ronaldo there. We surely can start that lad Garnacho as our LW and Rashford as the #9. Would be much better imo.

Yeah i agree and that was what i posted in this same page. Take a chance on the youngsters, they may surprise you, with the opportunity cost of not playing CR7 which means you will not lose much, if at all.
Take Barca for example, they were forced to use Gavi and Araujo last season, and Pedri the season before. You never know what you find with the younglings without trying, and with opportunity cost so low or even negative with CR7, why not?

 

[12OunceEpilogue]

Just wanted to say; Rio, Keane, Kevin fecking Campbell and anyone else who has had the gall to give it 'he's a goalscorer, he has to play', 'ten Hag is disrespecting him' etc. etc. can feck right off. He worked hard yesterday, dropped deep and did an ok job linking the play, did some important defensive work too, but his finishing was absolutely dreadful. He is playing at squad player-level at best and that's how ten Hag is using him, the manager is managing the player as well as he possibly could be and these pundits need to shut the feck up.

 

[Josh 76]

Greenwood would have solved this issue. We basically lost a 70 million quid home grown striker.

As for Ronaldo, the other night he was worryingly off target for us. We need him because we can't play the same 3 every game and martial is made of glass. But he needs replacing with a proper striker as soon as possible.

Greenwood would have excelled under Ten Haag. Utd would have been closer to the top. He really is a prick. What a waste!

 

[Strelok]

Yeah i agree and that was what i posted in this same page. Take a chance on the youngsters, they may surprise you, with the opportunity cost of not playing CR7 which means you will not lose much, if at all.
Take Barca for example, they were forced to use Gavi and Araujo last season, and Pedri the season before. You never know what you find with the younglings without trying, and with opportunity cost so low or even negative with CR7, why not?

Yeah exactly. Even if that doesn't work we surely can still throw Ronaldo in hoping for miracles later. And that's better for Ronaldo too he has no energy to play a full 90' against a PL side these days.

 

[Smores]

I thought his overall game was fine yesterday the actual issue is his finishing, it's gone to shit and don't see it coming back.

Desperately need a striker in January. Making sure we get into the CL will pay for a chunk of the outlay so it's a perfect time really.

 

[dabronxolivera]

Just wanted to say; Rio, Keane, Kevin fecking Campbell and anyone else who has had the gall to give it 'he's a goalscorer, he has to play', 'ten Hag is disrespecting him' etc. etc. can feck right off. He worked hard yesterday, dropped deep and did an ok job linking the play, did some important defensive work too, but his finishing was absolutely dreadful. He is playing at squad player-level at best and that's how ten Hag is using him, the manager is managing the player as well as he possibly could be and these pundits need to shut the feck up.

His old teammates are defending him to the hilt because they know how petty Ronaldo is and they dont want to get in the bad side of one of the goats. We saw that with the Neville interaction as example. Anderson also mentioned in an interview that Ronaldo for all of his supposed confidence has a really thin skin. Anderson alluded in that interview that Ronaldo basically rage quitted from a whatsapp group consisting of old United players from his era because he cant stand their banters. That's why his mates in the media keep blowing smoke into his arse.

 

[Pace Abuser]

He is very narcissistic. Desperate for adulation and praise all the time. His legs have gone and he needs to retire, but Messi is a thorn in his ego and he can't let it go.

I want him gone.

 

[Lyng]

Tbh I'd prefer us giving the precious game time to our youngsters. Garnacho looks pretty promising imo. Can't be worse because Ronaldo is currently offering basically nothing if not a huge detriment to how we play.

A youngster is at least faster, has more energy, work harder and especially doesn't have an ego the size of the moon and being utterly selfish like Ronaldo. Imo Rashford wouldn't be what he's today if not for the chance LVG gave him. The situation is also very similar.

Rashford is not a proper #9, same as Ronaldo but atm he's simply far better than Ronaldo there. We surely can start that lad Garnacho as our LW and Rashford as the #9. Would be much better imo.

Rashford at number 9 has been terrible this season. On top of that he has been fantastic on the left wing. it would be madness to move him central simply to get rid of Ronnie.
Trying out Garnacho would make more sense to me.

 

[mshnsh]

Just wanted to say; Rio, Keane, Kevin fecking Campbell and anyone else who has had the gall to give it 'he's a goalscorer, he has to play', 'ten Hag is disrespecting him' etc. etc. can feck right off. He worked hard yesterday, dropped deep and did an ok job linking the play, did some important defensive work too, but his finishing was absolutely dreadful. He is playing at squad player-level at best and that's how ten Hag is using him, the manager is managing the player as well as he possibly could be and these pundits need to shut the feck up.

I fear that Ten Hag is being forced to play Cristiano to avoid the drama that Ronaldo creates and the drama that inevitably comes from the Ronaldo fanboys in the media when he doesn’t play or is subbed. I hope I'm wrong and Ten Hag is stronger than that.

He is very narcissistic. Desperate for adulation and praise all the time. His legs have gone and he needs to retire, but Messi is a thorn in his ego and he can't let it go.

I want him gone.

Honestly the fact that he is compared to Messi, a far more talented footballer than him, should be a complement for him.

His old teammates are defending him to the hilt because they know how petty Ronaldo is and they dont want to get in the bad side of one of the goats. We saw that with the Neville interaction as example. Anderson also mentioned in an interview that Ronaldo for all of his supposed confidence has a really thin skin. Anderson alluded in that interview that Ronaldo basically rage quitted from a whatsapp group consisting of old United players from his era because he cant stand their banters. That's why his mates in the media keep blowing smoke into his arse.

That was funny as feck. Shows Ronaldo's character.

 

[tariqo]

The picture he chose to publish is another example of his selfishness and narcissism.

btw for those saying his “ overall fame “ was fine !! Do they really watch games ?

 

[iHicksy]

I fear that Ten Hag is being forced to play Cristiano to avoid the drama that Ronaldo creates and the drama that inevitably comes from the Ronaldo fanboys in the media when he doesn’t play or is subbed. I hope I'm wrong and Ten Hag is stronger than that.

Mate have you ever watched a ETH press conference or training ground vid or heard him speak? The guy gives zero fecks about drama around Ronaldo caused by dropping him. Since you know, he's done it for most of the season already.

 

[Strelok]

Rashford at number 9 has been terrible this season. On top of that he has been fantastic on the left wing. it would be madness to move him central simply to get rid of Ronnie.
Trying out Garnacho would make more sense to me.

We can agree to disagree but it's not true Rashford has been terrible for us as a #9. He had like two three games his finishing was off but his general play was still very good. We dominated those games. If he has been terrible no one would even think he's above Ronaldo in the pecking order as our #9.

The real talking point here is Ronaldo is so shit now that playing him actually destroy our game him scoring or not. We might dominate the game despite him against some minor teams like Omonia or Sheriff but no way we would against a PL side or Sociedad. Imo playing him now is simply asking for troubles.

 

[#07]

We can agree to disagree but it's not true Rashford has been terrible for us as a #9. He had like two three games his finishing was off but his general play was still very good. We dominated those games. If he has been terrible no one would even think he's above Ronaldo in the pecking order as our #9.

The real talking point here is Ronaldo is so shit now that playing him actually destroy our game him scoring or not. We might dominate the game despite him against some minor teams like Omonia or Sheriff but no way we would against a PL side or Sociedad. Imo playing him now is simply asking for troubles.

I wouldn't go this far but its true that what Ronaldo does is out of sync with Ten Hag's basic template for this Man Utd team. His constant dropping off, for no real reason other than to try and make space for long range efforts, disrupts our attacking balance. You end up having Bruno playing like a Thomas Muller wannabe, running beyond to try and stretch the play. It doesn't come natural to Bruno, it doesn't seem particularly effective and things just break down in the final third.

If the manager is going to keep playing Ronaldo up top then Donny, the only player who specialises in that kinda off the ball run from #10, needs to come into the side. However, will the team as a whole benefit from losing Bruno just to accomodate Ronaldo going walkies? IMO no. This is not the 2012 Ronaldo scoring 50+ goals a season. This is CR37, the veteran who should understand his body enough to play as a fox in the box but who just keeps refusing. Hence him often looking tired and out of it when he actually does get chances in the box. If he stopped wasting energy going to play 1-2s with Dalot deep in the right channel he might have the oomph to do damage in the box.

 

[pacifictheme]

Mate have you ever watched a ETH press conference or training ground vid or heard him speak? The guy gives zero fecks about drama around Ronaldo caused by dropping him. Since you know, he's done it for most of the season already.

Yeah I don't think eth cates about that. He knows he needs to use him, the fixture list is awful and everyone will need to contribute. That europa league tie was an ideal game for him to play because they are shit. West ham was more of a gamble but it paid off.

We have a relatively easy run of games on paper so i expect to see a bit of Ronaldo over the next 6 games but I doubt he starts v City which is our next really hard game.

 

[BorisManUtd]

He shouldn't start vs Sociedad and Villa. Only should be starting against Villa in Carabao Cup and coming off the bench in other 3 games.

 

[Strelok]

His constant dropping off, for no real reason other than to try and make space for long range efforts, disrupts our attacking balance.

Imo this is simply because he knows he'd have no chance to keep the ball with his back against the goal so to get more involved into the game it's actually the only choice. Rashford and Martial sometime would do that too but the whole difference is they could keep the ball with their back against the goal then pass to another attacker or turn, carry the ball and out run the opposition defenders chasing behind. Ronaldo is no longer strong or fast enough for that. In order to look not too static his only choice is to come back and do those meaningless backward pass.

That might sound simple and not a big deal at first but actually is very important for a #9 to cause a change in the tempo of the game, to open new spaces and get other attackers involved thus enable chances to score.

 

[OpenIntrovert]

This is CR37, the veteran who should understand his body enough to play as a fox in the box but who just keeps refusing. Hence him often looking tired and out of it when he actually does get chances in the box. If he stopped wasting energy going to play 1-2s with Dalot deep in the right channel he might have the oomph to do damage in the box.

You have described why Ronaldo is not performing well accurately. It can be clearly seen from the way he is controlling the ball or shooting that his legs are suffering from muscle fatigue. Contrary to what you have mentioned, Ronaldo wants to play as a fox in the box and considering his age, that should be the way. However ETH wants him to be more involved in terms of pressing and link up play.

I have mentioned previously that I have never seen a 37/38 year old striker/forward press and still have the stamina to do their attacking duties. It seems physically unfeasible but ETH thinks Ronaldo can adapt. If Ronaldo adapts, he will be the first to achieve it, though I highly doubt it will happen.

 

[#07]

You have described why Ronaldo is not performing well accurately. It can be clearly seen from the way he is controlling the ball or shooting that his legs are suffering from muscle fatigue. Contrary to what you have mentioned, Ronaldo wants to play as a fox in the box and considering his age, that should be the way. However ETH wants him to be more involved in terms of pressing and link up play.

I have mentioned previously that I have never seen a 37/38 year old striker/forward press and still have the stamina to do their attacking duties. It seems physically unfeasible but ETH thinks Ronaldo can adapt. If Ronaldo adapts, he will be the first to achieve it, though I highly doubt it will happen.

Pressing yes, link up, no. Ten Hag actually said to Sky at full time that he told Ronaldo to stop coming deep in the break. He also disagreed with Louis Saha's view that Ronaldo dropping deep allowed others to run beyond him.

Ronaldo is wasting lots of energy in games, coming extremely deep in the build up. Playing 1-2s with Dalot and Shaw. Bouncing off of Casemiro. Clogging up the inside left channel. There is little reason for Ronaldo to be outside of the final third so often, or to leave the penalty area when United have the ball in the final third.

Imo this is simply because he knows he'd have no chance to keep the ball with his back against the goal so to get more involved into the game it's actually the only choice. Rashford and Martial sometime would do that too but the whole difference is they could keep the ball with their back against the goal then pass to another attacker or turn, carry the ball and out run the opposition defenders chasing behind. Ronaldo is no longer strong or fast enough for that. In order to look not too static his only choice is to come back and do those meaningless backward pass.

That might sound simple and not a big deal at first but actually is very important for a #9 to cause a change in the tempo of the game, to open new spaces and get other attackers involved thus enable chances to score.

Possibly but he actually does a decent job of winning aerials and getting knock downs to team mates. There's no need for him to be pressed up against centre backs. He just needs to spend his time in the channels. This is what Rashford does very well when he plays up top. For example, against Spurs, Rashford was constantly on the shoulder of the last man and therefore facilitating through balls into feet. Often when our creative midfielders get the ball Ronaldo is right next to them. He doesn't do it all the time and, actually, when we transition he tends to be in the right place. However, when we start to build up the attacks he chooses to get involved. Often to no real benefit as he tends to just pop the ball back from where it came. When we do finally get the ball wide often times he's missing from where he should be to receive a cross or a cutback. Which, to me, is bizarre. Given how deadly he is within the width of the posts.

 

[Sylar]

I said earlier in the match day thread that Ronaldo seems to get what he wants whenever he throws these meltdowns. Happened with Rangnick and I'm sensing it could be happening with ETG right now but I'll wait to see if he's untouched after a few more games.

During Rangnick reign, Ronaldo threw a meltdown after getting subbed and he never did get subbed again after that.

So far signs are pointing to something similar happening with ETH. Hasn't been dropped since his episode nor has he been subbed despite his poor showings.

I really hope this isn't the case with ETH, we simply cannot be held hostage by this guy who only cares about himself and couldn't give a damn what happens to the club.

We probably sub him yesterday if we had somebody to bring on. We didnt have Martial, Anthony nor Sancho. Elanga started so we couldnt even bring him on late in the game.
We just dont have the options (or didnt). We shall see when everybody is fit again to see if this holds up.

 

[OpenIntrovert]

Pressing yes, link up, no. Ten Hag actually said to Sky at full time that he told Ronaldo to stop coming deep in the break. He also disagreed with Louis Saha's view that Ronaldo dropping deep allowed others to run beyond him.

Ronaldo is wasting lots of energy in games, coming extremely deep in the build up. Playing 1-2s with Dalot and Shaw. Bouncing off of Casemiro. Clogging up the inside left channel. There is little reason for Ronaldo to be outside of the final third so often, or to leave the penalty area when United have the ball in the final third.

Oh did not know that ETH mentioned this. I feel that the pressing is wasting his energy more than him dropping deeper as there will be more off-the-ball defensive situations than on the ball during a game. I don't think ETH will want him to play as a pure striker who sits on the defensive lines, so it will be too taxing considering his age.

 

[#07]

Oh did not know that ETH mentioned this. I feel that the pressing is wasting his energy more than him dropping deeper as there will be more off-the-ball defensive situations than on the ball during a game. I don't think ETH will want him to play as a pure striker who sits on the defensive lines, so it will be too taxing considering his age.

I think Ronaldo would be able to do the job that's needed if we are able to dominate the ball, which is what Ten Hag wants.

IMO there is not that much stopping Ronaldo playing the position as Rashford plays it. Ronaldo does press. Its just he does a lot of other stuff that's not strictly necessary. When Rashford plays up front for us he doesn't get involved in the build up anywhere near as much as Ronaldo does.

 

[Strelok]

Possibly but he actually does a decent job of winning aerials and getting knock downs to team mates. There's no need for him to be pressed up against centre backs. He just needs to spend his time in the channels. This is what Rashford does very well when he plays up top. For example, against Spurs, Rashford was constantly on the shoulder of the last man and therefore facilitating through balls into feet. Often when our creative midfielders get the ball Ronaldo is right next to them. He doesn't do it all the time and, actually, when we transition he tends to be in the right place. However, when we start to build up the attacks he chooses to get involved. Often to no real benefit as he tends to just pop the ball back from where it came. When we do finally get the ball wide often times he's missing from where he should be to receive a cross or a cutback. Which, to me, is bizarre. Given how deadly he is within the width of the posts.

Tbh this is probably beyond my knowledge of the game but you sound about right I think.

Anyway agree it's really bizarre. He's not a #9 never been one but if you're right he seems to absolutely do not even know how to play as a #9. Given his years in the game it's really bizarre.

 

[Santoryo]

I think Ronaldo would be able to do the job that's needed if we are able to dominate the ball, which is what Ten Hag wants.

IMO there is not that much stopping Ronaldo playing the position as Rashford plays it. Ronaldo does press. Its just he does a lot of other stuff that's not strictly necessary. When Rashford plays up front for us he doesn't get involved in the build up anywhere near as much as Ronaldo does.

I don't think getting involved with the build up is the issue with Ronaldo, Martial does heavily get involved with the build up and Ten Hag doesn't seem to have any issue with that, in fact we play our best football with Martial in the team under Ten Hag.

Ronaldo's pressing isn't disciplined nor does he do that enough. He might chase the keeper or CB once in a while but he's not committed to pressing full time.

 

[the_cliff]

Ronaldo's problem in a nutshell.

 

[NinjaZombie]

I don't think getting involved with the build up is the issue with Ronaldo, Martial does heavily get involved with the build up and Ten Hag doesn't seem to have any issue with that, in fact we play our best football with Martial in the team under Ten Hag.

Ronaldo's pressing isn't disciplined nor does he do that enough. He might chase the keeper or CB once in a while but he's not committed to pressing full time.

Funny how Cavani would be much more suited to ETH and we effectively replaced him with Ronaldo.