The comprehensive Ronaldo thread

Zen said:
And I stick to it, I did say top level too, I mean it's up to you if you want to include goalies, who I wouldn't rule out either(Ben Fosters got some seriously elite amateur worthy cycling times for instance). But for outfield, in the Prem by my definition that have played this season - Ronaldo, Vardy, Milner, Young, Ream, Moutinho and Silva. I'm reasonably happy to suggest they'd be around that number.

I mean we're going off track :lol:
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Those players wouldn't be within a million miles of a 31.17 at 41, I can assure you.
It's a really strong time in UK road racing, hence only 17 people in the country having done it this year.

Dennis Wise no doubt had a short distance bias. I know someone considerably older than him who won a European masters 800s in 2.02 who couldn't break 32 for instance.

The difference between someone who looks like a really fit, strong engine like Milner, versus continuous racing flat out over 10k is quite something.
 
Zen said:
If you see being in the same place as some of the fittest 35 to 40 years old the PLANET is 'dismissing' ... than that's on you. I'm incredibly impressed with your mates times, but I also appreciated how incredibly fit anyone still playing top level football at that age is (<--- which you dismiss actually ;))
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They are very fit, but in a different way. Strength and muscle is way more important in football than running - hence looking at the builds of most football players versus long distance top runners.
You're also arguing with an absolute stats obsessed running anorak if you hadn't guessed :lol:

My pal knows a Burnley recent premier league player personally and is always laughing that he wouldn't be within 3 or 4 minutes of him over 5k.
Different emphasis in the sport yes, but it's fanciful to suggest the guy can suddenly become a star at another sport.
 
I'm glad his United future was decided before the WC. No telling what shenanigans we'd have to deal with if not.
 
Sandikan said:
They are very fit, but in a different way.
You're also arguing with an absolute stats obsessed running anorak if you hadn't guessed :lol:

My pal knows a Burnley player personally and is always laughing that he wouldn't be within 3 or 4 minutes of him over 5k.
Different emphasis in the sport yes, but it's fanciful to suggest the guy can suddenly become a star at another sport.
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Yes I'm a stats obsessed cyclist/runner on Strava, Zwift, TrainingPeaks and RunBritain too. But I accept, just because they don't do it officially(because why would they?), that a pro footballer could be ultra elite relatively quickly, and absolutely while still playing at the top level.
 
Sandikan said:
Then turn up on Sky Sports barking some cliches out alongside a 93 year old Sourness.
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I actually think you are on to something here.

He would be absolutely brilliant entertainment as a pundit (not necessarily for his tactical insight ) because he doesn't mind calling people out and definitely has an axe to grind, like a well manicured Roy Keane.

I'd watch him call people "fat losers" all day personally.
 
Zen said:
Yes I'm a stats obsessed cyclist/runner on Strava, Zwift, TrainingPeaks and RunBritain too. But I accept, just because they don't do it officially(because why would they?), that a pro footballer could be ultra elite relatively quickly, and absolutely while still playing at the top level.
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If you're into your stats your line of argument is even more daft :lol:
And now you've brought it down from 41 which was my actual argument, to >35, to now trying to rope in peak age footballers, which is a completely different argument and not at all one I was engaged in!

But that's probably enough internet for tonight.
 
RacingClub said:
I actually think you are on to something here.

He would be absolutely brilliant entertainment as a pundit (not necessarily for his tactical insight ) because he doesn't mind calling people out and definitely has an axe to grind, like a well manicured Roy Keane.

I'd watch him call people "fat losers" all day personally.
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Imagine Keano and Ronaldo doing the analysis.
Only a tiny handful of players in the country could even dream of not getting lashed by them,
 
Vidic178 said:
Didn't Ten Hag say yesterday that Ronaldo wanted to stay? Not a fan of how Ronaldo has acted this season but it feels like these journalists are just making stuff up at this point. The wildest story was that Ronaldo was going to walk out of the Portugal squad and miss the chance to win his last ever WC because he got benched for one game.
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That's not what he said, really
 
Sandikan said:
Imagine Keano and Ronaldo doing the analysis.
Only a tiny handful of players in the country could even dream of not getting lashed by them,
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I think most pundits are absolutely shocking and provide practically no insight at all so that sounds like a dream combo to be honest.

Eviscerating their former foes on a weekly basis.

I don't imagine that many on here would find it funny but I'd imagine he would be hugely entertaining if he was in the studio for a high profile United loss this season, guy is a natural heel.
 
Regulus Arcturus Black said:
To be fair we asked you to list out amazing moments for a few players and you completely ignored it so I’ll try again.

Give me your Paul Scholes amazing memories, Roy Keane, Rio and Rooney.
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Firstly…you’re already moving the goalposts….I’m talking about greatest Utd memories that involved or were down to Ronaldo.

So my top 10 Utd memories -
10 - Cantona’s volley against Wimbledon (the only non important goal that really makes my list)
9 - Cantona’s return against Liverpool
8 - Roy Keane in Turin
7 - Rooneys debut
6 - Scholes v Barcelona
5 - 91 Cup winners cup final
4 - Steve Bruce’s header against Sheffield Wednesday
3- Eric Cantona’s FA cup final goal against the scouse
2 - Ryan Giggs v Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final
1 99 CL final

So that’s without giving it too much thought. Legitimately don’t think he is involved in the top 20 bar Being part of the Moscow CL win. For me, his penalty miss canceled out the header.

considering he is “the GOAT” supposedly…and I initially responded to a guy who posted that Ronaldo was responsible for so many of his greatest Utd memories…I think, as I said at the time, i have made my own case quite convincingly. He is not as important to the club and it’s history as some fans make him out to be.

but since being a fan is subjective…if his goal scoring of those few seasons are your greatest memories so be it!
 
Kelly15 said:
Oh I want to give you mine.
Paul Scholes - semi final goal against Barcelona in the CL. 2008
Roy Keane - That performance against Juventus 1999. Plus that goal.
Rio- goal vs Liverpool 2006.
Rooney - His hat trick on his debut in the UCL.

Cantona- that goal against Sunderland. What a special moment. Still sends shivers down my spine.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy - that goal vs Fulham 2003.
Nani - that goal vs Chelsea. What a howitzer of a strike.
RvP - That stunning volley from a 40 -50 yard pass from Rooney against Aston Villa.
Giggs- That goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final.
Ole - 1999 CL final.
That's just taking one memory from each player. I have many more from each. Plus many more players to mention.
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They almost all fail to meet his criteria though. “Sunderland, Fenerbache, Aston Villa, Fulham” pah.
 
captaincantona said:
Firstly…you’re already moving the goalposts….I’m talking about greatest Utd memories that involved or were down to Ronaldo.

So my top 10 Utd memories -
10 - Cantona’s volley against Wimbledon (the only non important goal that really makes my list)
9 - Cantona’s return against Liverpool
8 - Roy Keane in Turin
7 - Rooneys debut
6 - Scholes v Barcelona
5 - 91 Cup winners cup final
4 - Steve Bruce’s header against Sheffield Wednesday
3- Eric Cantona’s FA cup final goal against the scouse
2 - Ryan Giggs v Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final
1 99 CL final

So that’s without giving it too much thought. Legitimately don’t think he is involved in the top 20 bar Being part of the Moscow CL win. For me, his penalty miss canceled out the header.

considering he is “the GOAT” supposedly…and I initially responded to a guy who posted that Ronaldo was responsible for so many of his greatest Utd memories…I think, as I said at the time, i have made my own case quite convincingly. He is not as important to the club and it’s history as some fans make him out to be.

but since being a fan is subjective…if his goal scoring of those few seasons are your greatest memories so be it!
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“moving the goalposts” :lol:

You argued people could only come up with 5 or 6 great moments from him, and laughed at the suggestion he had a catalogue of moments for United.

Yet in your top 10, there’s not a mention of Robbo (Barca home for example), there’s just one mention of Giggs. Rio, Evra, Vidic don’t make it. No space for Becks, Irwin, Schmeichel.

You laughed at a great moment being a game vs. Bolton but are fine with a group game twatting of the mighty Fenerbache.
Ronaldo v Fulham was a “meh” moment to you, as was the Arsenal semi goal, the Porto goal doesn’t make it either, yet a volley v Wimbledon makes the top 10 along with that Fenerbache twatting.

Much doesn’t add up to be fair, seems any Ronaldo moment is tainted to you is all.

For what it’s worth, my great moments include game vs. shite too, Becks v Wimbledon, Macheda makes it, a save vs. Rapid Vienna, a volley vs Oldham, and a tonne more.
Moments as I said earlier aren’t always about a moment that wins things, or great goals, they are moments, like Giggsy’s debut that remain with you for life. It’s odd looking at your list that you appear to agree, unless of course it involves Ronaldo :lol:
 
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Regulus Arcturus Black said:
“moving the goalposts” :lol:

You argued people could only come up with 5 or 6 great moments from him, and laughed at the suggestion he had a catalogue of moments for United.

Yet in your top 10, there’s not a mention of Robbo (Barca home for example), there’s just one mention of Giggs. Rio, Evra, Vidic don’t make it. No space for Becks, Irwin, Schmeichel.

You laughed at a great moment being a game vs. Bolton but are fine with a group game twatting of the mighty Fenerbache.
Ronaldo v Fulham was a “meh” moment to you, as was the Arsenal semi goal, the Porto goal doesn’t make it either, yet a volley v Wimbledon makes the top 10 along with that Fenerbache twatting.

Much doesn’t add up to be fair, seems any Ronaldo moment is tainted to you is all.
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Again being misquoted. What I argued was that his greatest moments wouldn’t be considered among most fans greatest ever Utd moments. Was I laughing at his debut or was I laughing at the the fact that it would make someone’s list of greatest ever Utd memories?

I actually mentioned the Fulham goal in previous posts as a great moment…a real cometh the hour cometh the man so I have no idea where you’re getting that from. Just doesn’t make the top of my list.

I also say the Porto goal is up there somewhere.

I thought that Ronny’s second goal against Arsenal was better than the free kick but neither would be a greatest ever memory for me - so again you’re questioning someone’s personal choice.

I’d say Rooney, our clubs top goal scorer, netting a hat trick on his debut, as a child! Is up there for most people…so why you would bring up that moment as if it wasn’t a great moment - I have no idea!

not sure what it is that you are actually arguing…is it that anyone who doesn’t have a Ronny moment in their top 10 is lying to themselves? considering you don’t know me or why these moments stand out to me your response is quite petty.
 
captaincantona said:
Was I laughing at his debut or was I laughing at the the fact that it would make someone’s list of greatest ever Utd memories?

I actually mentioned the Fulham goal in previous posts as a great moment…a real cometh the hour cometh the man so I have no idea where you’re getting that from. Just doesn’t make the top of my list.

I say the Porto goal is up there somewhere.

I thought that Ronny’s second goal against Arsenal was better than the free kick but neither would be a greatest ever memory for me - so again you’re questioning someone’s personal choice.

I’d say Rooney, our clubs top goal scorer, netting a Garrick on his debut, as a child! Is up there for most people…so why you would bring up that moment as if it wasn’t a great moment - I have no idea!

not sure what it is that you are actually arguing…is that anyone who doesn’t have a Ronny moment in their top 10 is lying to themselves? considering you don’t know me or why these moments stand out to me your response is quite petty.
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I’m arguing that it doesn’t matter if a goal was against Oldham, or Liverpool, or a debut was so scintillating that it makes your top 10, be it in a mauling of a shite team in the CL or a game where we couldn’t break down Bolton at home.

There are so many examples in your top 10 that wouldn’t make so many other fans, I mean, I loved Eric’s return but having that over Sparky’s Oldham volley for example or the Blackburn home game is bonkers to me. But… moments are clearly individual.
Ronaldo, like any top player that spent more than 5 years at the club, has plenty of special moments, clearly. For some, Fulham and Porto will make their top 10, for others they won’t.

Only 5 of your top 10 make mine, the other 5 are fecking miles back for me, probably not in the top 30. Schmeichel’s Newcastle shits on them all for example.

fecking concede man, you know that to be the case.
 
Regulus Arcturus Black said:
I’m arguing that it doesn’t matter if a goal was against Oldham, or Liverpool, or a debut was so scintillating that it makes your top 10, be it in a mauling of a shite team in the CL or a game where we couldn’t break down Bolton at home.

There are so many examples in your top 10 that wouldn’t make so many other fans, I mean, I loved Eric’s return but having that over Sparky’s Oldham volley for example or the Blackburn home game is bonkers to me. But… moments are clearly individual.
Ronaldo, like any top player that spent more than 5 years at the club, has plenty of special moments, clearly. For some, Fulham and Porto will make their top 10, for other they won’t.
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Agreed. I just posed the question based on the original post I read. I think the most i said was that he might not feature as prominently in peoples greatest ever Utd moments as his reputation suggested he might. That’s not to say at all that he hasn’t gotten great moments…I just don’t really see him as a huge part of the clubs history…unlike some people.
 
captaincantona said:
Agreed. I just posed the question based on the original post I read. I think the most i said was that he might not feature as prominently in peoples greatest ever Utd moments as his reputation suggested he might. That’s not to say at all that he hasn’t gotten great moments…I just don’t really see him as a huge part of the clubs history…unlike some people.
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And you’re likely in the minority there considering just how successful and scintillating 3 of those seasons were. Our most successful ever 3 year stint in our history.

But, it’s understandable, as it’s all individual.

A lot of people would never have seen Robbo v Barca, nor Whiteside’s goal, nor had the feeling of a sleeping giant awakening in the Cup Winners Cup final. So how can we suggest those moments should mean more to people just because to us they clearly do due to where we were then and how that felt to us.
 
captaincantona said:
I think the most i said was that he might not feature as prominently in peoples greatest ever Utd moments as his reputation suggested he might.
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I think that's all you really did say :confused:

captaincantona said:
Genuine general question…I see this written a lot on forums…what memories is Ronaldo himself responsible for?

I have some great goals - albeit none of huge importance except the Porto one, the Fulham one….Arsenal in the CL is probably a great moment but that was an epic team performance. Sorry CL final goal obviously but then he missed a penalty. Am I just forgetting loads of great individual memories? Again genuine question.
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captaincantona said:
Yeah those are the ones I recall…it’s not much is it considering the high regard he is held in. I mean he scored a shed load and there was an air of inevitability about him for about 18 months. But really in terms of classic classic Utd memories…not many imo.

could be a good thread - what players have given fans the greatest amount of memories during their time at Utd? Dare I say Ronny would not feature all that prominently?
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It's not like you said anyone who thinks that those moments were important were an idiot as far as I seen? Or denied their existence? Just that they don't feature as prominently (in your opinion) as his reputation at United suggests.

I think it would be a good idea for a thread to be honest but it's probably a bad time.
 
RacingClub said:
I think that's all you really did say :confused:






It's not like you said anyone who thinks that those moments were important were an idiot as far as I seen? Or denied their existence? Just that they don't feature as prominently (in your opinion) as his reputation at United suggests.
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Much appreciated mate.
 
captaincantona said:
Much appreciated mate.
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I just remembered because it kind of made me reflect on all the "United Moments" I remembered in my life and I realized he wasn't really on there and (I'm not a United fan so it's maybe not fair) his most memorable moment is probably the Penalty miss vs Cech (which absolutely shocked me at the time and he should probably thank John Terry for it now being one of the first things they think of when he comes up).
 
RacingClub said:
I just remembered because it kind of made me reflect on all the "United Moments" I remembered in my life and I realized he wasn't really on there and (I'm not a United fan so it's maybe not fair) his most memorable moment is probably the Penalty miss vs Cech (which absolutely shocked me at the time and he should probably thank John Terry for it now being one of the first things they think of when he comes up).
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He was literally writing off “great goals” because they had no importance, then includes Eric’s Wimbledon goal in his own top 10, he writes off a debut because “Bolton”, but includes a debut v Fenerbache and Eric simply returning from a ban, he writes off so many moments for Ronaldo but his own list contains similar moments for other players.
To claim our best player in the most successful ever 3 year period in the history of the club didn’t have many great moments is just beyond silly.
Your post is even sillier in fairness.

I’ve been there through the Whiteside final, the Cup Winners Cup, stood in the stretty for the first title in almost 3 decades, but feck me, a few Ronaldo moments stand out massively for me in the history of my great United moments. And no, we don’t just discount a ridiculous header in a CL final because the player then missed a pen.

Porto was sensational, as he was vs. Arsenal in the semis and that Fulham goal means so much to many, they are clearly right up with many people’s great moments. The debut, just as with Rooney, stands out for so many because it had Rodney Marsh in the sky studios saying he’d eat his hat if Ronaldo doesn’t become the best player in the World. It stand out because just as with Rooney, it was electric, the entire stadium was on it’s feet every time he got the ball & the excitement of what was to come was palpable.

For those born 2000 or later, what other fecking moments would there be? The great Moyes 100
crosses game? Or the LVG memorable 2000 passes and zero shots game? :lol:
Considering our plight since soon after Ronaldo left, I’d be amazed anyone not born in the 80’s wouldn’t have Ronaldo’s moments all through their top 10.
 
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Regulus Arcturus Black said:
To claim our best player in the most successful ever 3 year period in the history of the club didn’t have many great moments is just beyond silly.
Your post is even sillier in fairness.
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Well that's not what he claimed , he just claimed that he didn't have as many as his reputation suggested.

If you have followed Manchester United as long as you say you have I'd be surprised if he features heavily in the top end of yours but as you say people's experiences are personal and shouldnt be ridiculed .. unless it's you doing the ridiculing obviously.

I'm very hurt that you find my post silly to be honest, you can send me your personal collection of Ronaldo's top moments if you like and I'll watch them on repeat until I conform to your opinion as you are obviously extremely passionate about it.

I'll bet nobody thinks of Terrys penalty miss or Gerrard's slip when they talk about big moments of their career, probably all about all the other goals and stuff.
 
RacingClub said:
Well that's not what he claimed , he just claimed that he didn't have as many as his reputation suggested.
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Which he clearly does, that’s the entire crux of the debate. I’ve posted plenty of examples, examples that without doubt feature high in many United fans list, especially those born in the 90’s-00’s. Only the individual can then place those into their own respective top lists, but to claim those moments don’t exist is daft.

And his own top 10 didn’t feature many of our greatest players of the 90’s & 00’s, what does that say about the reputation of Beckham, Irwin, Yorke, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Schmeichel?
And Giggs only features once so his reputation?
Well it tells you that there are a ridiculous amount of great moments in the past 40 years of United, and every fan will give you a different top 10, top 20, top 50. Some will show preference to Eric (as his does, hardly surprising considering the username) and the sides of the 90’s, some will give more preference to the sides of the 00’s and especially the all conquering 06-09 sides.
 
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My lasting memory of Ronaldo and that CL trophy is him lying on the pitch in Moscow crying because he missed his penalty.
 
Regulus Arcturus Black said:
Only the individual can then place those into their own respective top lists, but to claim those moments don’t exist is daft.
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"I have some great goals - albeit none of huge importance except the Porto one, the Fulham one….Arsenal in the CL is probably a great moment but that was an epic team performance. Sorry CL final goal obviously but then he missed a penalty."

He literally lists great moments though but doesn't believe they are part of the greatest moments in United history (in his opinion).

And here he is acknowledging another posters list of moments and saying they are a bit short considering the esteem hes held by the United fan base.

"Yeah those are the ones I recall…it’s not much is it considering the high regard he is held in. I mean he scored a shed load and there was an air of inevitability about him for about 18 months. But really in terms of classic classic Utd memories…not many imo."

Regulus Arcturus Black said:
Well it tells you that there are a ridiculous amount of great moments in the past 40 years of United, and every fan will give you a different top 10, top 20, top 50.
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Yes everyone agrees about that but if you poll all those fans he feels that Ronaldo will not feature heavily and due to your illustrious history I tend to agree with him.

That's why I said a poll would be interesting but it would be unfair to Ronaldo at this moment in time.

Which he also suggested at the time;

"could be a good thread - what players have given fans the greatest amount of memories during their time at Utd? Dare I say Ronny would not feature all that prominently?"

The debate seems to be about your assumption that Ronaldo would feature alot vs his that he wouldn't so you guys alone can't solve it because you are both speaking for an enormous fan base.
 
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I have seen a lot of United and can only remember the free kick against Arsenal, the CL header and his tap in against West Ham. It doesn't mean that he has not scored many an important goal. He has.
Nani has scored some fantastic goals for United but my most memorable one was the farcical one against Spurs. So different people would have different ones.
 
Regulus Arcturus Black said:
And you’re likely in the minority there considering just how successful and scintillating 3 of those seasons were. Our most successful ever 3 year stint in our history.

But, it’s understandable, as it’s all individual.
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I think you're in the minority. Ronaldo was here for 6 years. We had 3 good seasons with him.

From 1992-93 to 2002-2003 we won 8 pl titles out of 11. The trebble in 99. Plus 3 FA cups which were all doubles. That's dominate.

In those 3 most successful seasons with Ronaldo that you say. We won the league 3 times and the champions league 1.

If you want to just pick 3 years then 98-2001 was more dominate. With our best ever season in 99.

Agree with your last part it's all individual. And if your best moments came in those 3 years and it was mostly Ronaldo memories thats fine. Mine were not. Even in those 3 years.

However unless you take a poll and it says otherwise, I do believe you are in the minority.
 
Kelly15 said:
I think you're in the minority. Ronaldo was here for 6 years. We had 3 good seasons with him.

From 1992-93 to 2002-2003 we won 8 pl titles out of 11. The trebble in 99. Plus 3 FA cups which were all doubles. That's dominate.

In those 3 most successful seasons with Ronaldo that you say. We won the league 3 times and the champions league 1.

If you want to just pick 3 years then 98-2001 was more dominate. With our best ever season in 99.

Agree with your last part it's all individual. And if your best moments came in those 3 years and it was mostly Ronaldo memories thats fine. Mine were not. Even in those 3 years.

However unless you take a poll and it says otherwise, I do believe you are in the minority.
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How do you know who's in minority? You rarely on the Caf.
 
RacingClub said:
"I have some great goals - albeit none of huge importance except the Porto one, the Fulham one….Arsenal in the CL is probably a great moment but that was an epic team performance. Sorry CL final goal obviously but then he missed a penalty."

He literally lists great moments though but doesn't believe they are part of the greatest moments in United history (in his opinion).

And here he is acknowledging another posters list of moments and saying they are a bit short considering the esteem hes held by the United fan base.

"Yeah those are the ones I recall…it’s not much is it considering the high regard he is held in. I mean he scored a shed load and there was an air of inevitability about him for about 18 months. But really in terms of classic classic Utd memories…not many imo."



Yes everyone agrees about that but if you poll all those fans he feels that Ronaldo will not feature heavily and due to your illustrious history I tend to agree with him.

That's why I said a poll would be interesting but it would be unfair to Ronaldo at this moment in time.

Which he also suggested at the time;

"could be a good thread - what players have given fans the greatest amount of memories during their time at Utd? Dare I say Ronny would not feature all that prominently?"

The debate seems to be about your assumption that Ronaldo would feature alot vs his that he wouldn't so you guys alone can't solve it because you are both speaking for an enormous fan base.
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Fantastic post. Well said.
 
Sandikan said:
They are very fit, but in a different way. Strength and muscle is way more important in football than running - hence looking at the builds of most football players versus long distance top runners.
You're also arguing with an absolute stats obsessed running anorak if you hadn't guessed :lol:

My pal knows a Burnley recent premier league player personally and is always laughing that he wouldn't be within 3 or 4 minutes of him over 5k.
Different emphasis in the sport yes, but it's fanciful to suggest the guy can suddenly become a star at another sport.
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I agree with bolded, looking at WR for 10k, it's 26:11 mins by 26yo world & Olympic champion , your pal ran it in 31 mins, as a 41 yo, which is extremely close to elite level, as of today, the oldest athlete in the top 100 in the world for 10k is a 37yo, his 10k PB for 2022 is 27:33 mins, only 4 minutes faster than your pal who must've been running for years maybe even professionally in the past and his build is probably similar to those elite runners that compete at the top level, I don't even think fit and young PL players who are fast (like Walker or Salah) can match your pal in a 10k race, even with proper and long term preparation.
 
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