Unpopular opinion: Ronaldo will be a huge miss

[jem]

I think it's a fantastic signing because Ronaldo is a legend and still a world-class player. I do think, however, that Man United (and here I'm referring to everyone from Woodward down to Ole) would be wise not to get swept up in the spectacle of it. Yes he's a great player and we, as fans, are lucky to have him a second time, but this is Manchester United, and he is also lucky to get to play for this great team a second time. No player is bigger than the team, and I hope that all decisions taken are done with what's best for the team, even if that means potentially upsetting Ronaldo (the penalty kick discussion is an example of this.)

Had he gone to City (I know it's a horrible thought that thankfully will never happen,) I have no doubt that Pep wouldn't have kowtowed to his ego; I hope (but somewhat doubt) that Ole will be similarly tough. The good news is that usually what's good for Ronaldo's ego is also what's good for the team, as he backs it up with ruthless professionalism.

Anyway, this is all a bit rambling, and I think it's better just to stop worrying and enjoy this incredible moment.

 

[roonster09]

That's exactly it. Feels like we're going to stink the place out a lot this season, and when Ronaldo does score to convert an unimpressive draw into a win, say, then the twitter mob will be out in force with the goat memes. And frankly I'll be there with them, in part.

But it just doesn't feel right. We've been quite deliberate about our rebuild over the past 2-3 years. This is based on pure emotion and probably brand value. It could work, and if it does it'll be glorious. But I just don't know...

I didn't get this part.

After selling Lukaku, we played Martial as our CF. When he was injured, we were linked with all sort of CFs like King, Rondon and then finally signed Ighalo on loan.

Next season we waited till last min to sign Cavani as a CF to compete with Martial. He wanted out from Jan, then Ole somehow convinced him to stay for one more year. Now we have Ronaldo for that position, how are we deviating? Considering the fitness record of Cavani and Martial, our young players will get plenty of chances.

 

[Jeppers7]

Ok. I’m going to try again today. It’s good there is a place for fans who have doubts to chat about it. I tried to chat about it the day he signed but it wasn’t the time for it. On one hand I totally understand the love in for Ronaldo. He’s a freak and has been one of the best players ever.

But…

Say for example we are playing Liverpool or Chelsea. Ronnie simply doesn’t get those 2 easy chances at the death he got last night. He’s being kicked and closed down, maybe even taken off by then, the crosser is being pressed and the ball doesn’t arrive. In recent years we’ve seen it’s becoming progressively easier to stop teams with him in the later stages of the CL and the Euros. A good solid defence can deal with him because they know he’s going to shoot or try to get a shot off and the rest of the team look toothless as the opposition pack the box to neutralise Ronaldo. He scores a lot of headers, we are noticeably terrible at crossing. Recently Bruno is our best player. They play pretty poorly together for the national team. We had problems with the low block and static low aggression strikers for the last few years and finally remedy it with Cavani, who saved our bacon on numerous occasions last season. The pressing and movement made a huge difference to our overall threat. Ronaldo is going to stay up a lot more. Rashford Ronaldo Greenwood Bruno doesn’t feel that balanced to me.

I took some abuse last night and rightly so as he scored two goals right after I pressed “post reply” it’s fair enough. I just don’t think Ronaldo is going to be scoring those late goals that bring a 5/10 up to a 7/10 performance quite as often as people hope in the PL and I feel like we could end up deviating to our detriment when we were on a pretty solid path with Cavani once he got fit again. If Ronaldo had never played here before I feel like we wouldn’t have signed him. Then do we really need both Ronaldo and Cavani? A lot of Juves fans aren’t particularly bothered about him leaving and are looking forward to starting again with younger players and that’s the path we were on, now we have Ronaldo for two years.

I think it’s fair to say when it comes to Utd after the last few years I’m a worrier. I’m just not sure going back is the right way to go forward but I hope I’m dead wrong. The heart says yes but the head says no.

2 easy chances? Absolute nonsense both of those were world class headers that most forwards would not have scored.

For all you are writing about Ronaldo he will score more goals than any other player we have. You can say Bruno has been our best player but he’s been horribly inconsistent since January and continued in that vein this season….in addition we haven’t won anything. So we need better players than Bruno. Ronaldo is better than Bruno. Considerably so.

 

[Borys]

With Ronaldo in the team, Greenwood/Rashford/Sancho/Martial/Pogba will be asked to work their ass off, I can't see any other way. Which in the end should be beneficial for the team so I'm positive.

I don't mind one player staying up high, but we have a tendency to leave there 4 players. I'm happy Wolves game happened because at least we see we're going to be murdered playing like that.

 

[tenpoless]

Some of us hate goal scorers. I have also seen posts like these about Bruno (can only score goals and assists). What happened to players being given a chance to shine at their position to the best of their abilities?

That means not expecting Pogba to play in a midfield two without a hard working midfielder(s) beside him.
It also means not expecting Ronaldo, especially at his current age to be a flying winger with a horse like work rate.
Furthermore it also means not expecting any player to excel at everything. You can't have it all.

There's a reason why clubs are paying top money for proven goal scorers. Even someone like Lukaku who was a meme 2 years ago costed Chelsea loadsamoney. Ronaldo is better than most - or maybe all players in the world (he broke the record after all) at scoring goals. He scores goals against smaller clubs, mid table clubs, big clubs, in group stages, quarter finals, finals - you name it.

Some people keep going on and on about how Ronaldo is on a big wage, old and scoring goals the only thing he can do. Well, firstly, scoring goals is not the only thing he can do. If you compare his dribbling against James for example he's still better. If you compare his strength to Martial he's still better and he is definitely the best finisher at United right now. And he can score type of goals that other players cannot, that is why he costs lots of money. Don't forget that goals win you games and trophies. The only things that make him looks kinda bad are : age and work rate.

But if you play him at the role that he's best at. It should not be a problem because you are not asking him to do the things he's not really good at. There's a reason why Sir Alex played him to be a goal scoring winger (then up front later on) back then without too much responsibilities at helping the defence. In fact he's one of the few players who's being instructed to just go out and play. He's that good. It should be a problem if someone is lacking the work rate, can only score goals and ends the season with 5 goals. Now that is a limited player. A top international football goalscorer, even if he lacks the workrate, is worth the risk, worth the lack of workrate because he scores 30-50 a season.

Regarding not expecting players to excel at everything. You really can't have it all. Remember Rooney? was Rooney a world class CF? he was. But when Ronaldo was here he scored less than Ronaldo. Why? because he, unlike Ronaldo, was all over the pitch. A CF spending less time in the box and more time chasing players so he scored less goal SHOCKER.

The point is, shut up, enjoy the signings, enjoy the season and stop overanalyzing things. As long as we are paying top money for top players that actually want to be here (so Sanchez excluded), chances are they'd work well. Don't let a few signings cloud your judgement. Take a moment and look at your thread title and think about how ridiculous it is for not wanting one of the best goalscorers of all time because "he won't do other things than scoring goals" even when his other abilities are still better than most.

We're approaching Michael Owen level of stupid here and we need to stop.

 

[Jeppers7]

If he has a terrible season, do we let him go after one season or hang on for the second? also, how sure are we that he's better than Cavani? Cavani is a couple years younger and to me still looked in great shape last season.

I think your name says everything here really.

 

[UpWithRivers]

I didn't get this part.

After selling Lukaku, we played Martial as our CF. When he was injured, we were linked with all sort of CFs like King, Rondon and then finally signed Ighalo on loan.

Next season we waited till last min to sign Cavani as a CF to compete with Martial. He wanted out from Jan, then Ole somehow convinced him to stay for one more year. Now we have Ronaldo for that position, how are we deviating? Considering the fitness record of Cavani and Martial, our young players will get plenty of chances.

Not sure what the previous op meant but you do highlight a very concerning pattern that we are putting temporary sticky plasters on the CF position, like we did with RW. I just hope we still go all out for Haaland, Mbappe, Kane whoever and sort it once and for all. If Ronaldo is a blocker to getting a permanent fix then yes he's a problem. Who's after Ronaldo, Lewandowski in 2 years time? Benzema?

 

[ash_86]

i kind of think the opposite. We always reached Semi's/Finals and used to struggle there. Ronaldo with his experience in winning crucial rounds will be the final piece of the puzzle that will win us trophies. This squad featuring several young players need that. They need to hold a trophy in their hand so that next time they can do it themselves.

 

[roonster09]

Not sure what the previous op meant but you do highlight a very concerning pattern that we are putting temporary sticky plasters on the CF position, like we did with RW. I just hope we still go all out for Haaland, Mbappe, Kane whoever and sort it once and for all. If Ronaldo is a blocker to getting a permanent fix then yes he's a problem. Who's after Ronaldo, Lewandowski in 2 years time? Benzema?

We don't have to plan with 10 years in mind. We already have young squad, so in one position if we are looking for couple of stop gaps then it shouldn't be a problem. Whole first 11 is at very good age.

Also with or without Ronaldo, there is 0 chance we will sign Mbappe. Even 120 million bid didn't convince Spurs to sell Kane. Haaland? Yes but lets see where are we in his priority.

 

[Siezard]

Ronaldo will only be a huge miss if he's injured.

 

[pratyush_utd]

Yes when he is injured? I am assuming that's what the opening post meant

 

[roonster09]

Some of us hate goal scorers. I have also seen posts like these about Bruno (can only score goals and assists). What happened to players being given a chance to shine at their position to the best of their abilities?

That means not expecting Pogba to play in a midfield two without a hard working midfielder(s) beside him.
It also means not expecting Ronaldo, especially at his current age to be a flying winger with a horse like work rate.
Furthermore it also means not expecting any player to excel at everything. You can't have it all.

There's a reason why clubs are paying top money for proven goal scorers. Even someone like Lukaku who was a meme 2 years ago costed Chelsea loadsamoney. Ronaldo is better than most - or maybe all players in the world (he broke the record after all) at scoring goals. He scores goals against smaller clubs, mid table clubs, big clubs, in group stages, quarter finals, finals - you name it.

Some people keep going on and on about how Ronaldo is on a big wage, old and scoring goals the only thing he can do. Well, firstly, scoring goals is not the only thing he can do. If you compare his dribbling against James for example he's still better. If you compare his strength to Martial he's still better and he is definitely the best finisher at United right now. And he can score type of goals that other players cannot, that is why he costs lots of money. Don't forget that goals win you games and trophies. The only things that make him looks kinda bad are : age and work rate.

But if you play him at the role that he's best at. It should not be a problem because you are not asking him to do the things he's not really good at. There's a reason why Sir Alex played him to be a goal scoring winger (then up front later on) back then without too much responsibilities at helping the defence. In fact he's one of the few players who's being instructed to just go out and play. He's that good. It should be a problem if someone is lacking the work rate, can only score goals and ends the season with 5 goals. Now that is a limited player. A top international football goalscorer, even if he lacks the workrate, is worth the risk, worth the lack of workrate because he scores 30-50 a season.

Regarding not expecting players to excel at everything. You really can't have it all. Remember Rooney? was Rooney a world class CF? he was. But when Ronaldo was here he scored less than Ronaldo. Why? because he, unlike Ronaldo, was all over the pitch. A CF spending less time in the box and more time chasing players so he scored less goal SHOCKER.

The point is, shut up, enjoy the signings, enjoy the season and stop overanalyzing things. As long as we are paying top money for top players that actually want to be here (so Sanchez excluded), chances are they'd work well. Don't let a few signings cloud your judgement. Take a moment and look at your thread title and think about how ridiculous it is for not wanting one of the best goalscorers of all time because "he won't do other things than scoring goals" even when his other abilities are still better than most.

We're approaching Michael Owen level of stupid here and we need to stop.

Good post. Also on Bruno, it's weird people keep saying he only scores and assists when he is also first in chances created (maybe topped the chart in top 5 leagues)

Also not sure why "he is a poacher" is repeated so many times. There are videos posted which shows his playmaking abilities, also videos of his performance vs clubs.

What I find weird is, there are few posters who are concerned about Ronald deal, they were open to signing Lukaku and couldn't stop praising how awesome he was. Defensively he isn't any better than Ronaldo and Ronaldo's overall game was better too.

Spoiler: Ronaldo vs Kane vs Lukaku vs Lewa

 

[TheReligion]

Because he's not the player he was 2-3 years ago, let alone 5 years ago. He's not the best player in the world now, he's nowhere close to it. He could probably be the best player in the MLS, or the best player at Sporting. But he's not even in the top 10 players in the Premier League, hell - I'm not even sure he's one of the best 5 forwards at Utd.

Obviously he was a great player, one of the all time greats, and he's still a good goal scorer. But he offers literally nothing else on the pitch. His work rate is appalling, he doesn't link up play well, he's not creative, he won't close down or harry defenders. He'll try and score at every opportunity - and will want and expect our attacking play to be set up in order to provide him with goalscoring opportunities. Because he hasn't got the ability or the legs to make goals out of nothing

If you're talking about Ronaldo here you're not right in the head.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

Lukaku's pressrues per 90 mins - 8.31.
Ronaldo's pressure per 90 mins - 6.69

Apart from goals, assist, even if we go by general play (using percentile from fbref) how is that Ronaldo is limited or his general play is not that good while others contribute so much?

Also you said you get around 30 notifications and every reply was mocking, that's obviously wrong. There were so many posts explaining why your post might be wrong or let's say they challenged your opinion with their point of view.

I would say stats aren't everything for example on the same website it says Martial has a press rate 10.49 so nearly 4 more Ronaldo. and it's pretty much accepted martials work rate off the ball is poor verging on not acceptable, so you put Ronaldo in there who presses even less and you see my concern as to why it's a worry. You also compare it to Kane who got criticism last season for not working off the ball and his stats are 5 more. I have also tried to find a player with a lower press rate than Ronaldo and have been struggling. So if you're using these stats it shows you where Ronaldo stands in terms of his out-of-possession work, bottom or close to the bottom of the pile would be where he sits. Plus he 36 now and has a contract till he is 38 so its only going to deteriorate further.

But fair shout on the Lukaku stats I watching his he definitely seems more mobile and works significantly harder than Ronaldo off the ball, yet his presses are lower than Martials, which says a lot So a fair point.

I would say I tried to answer the ones explaining why I might be wrong but got fed up with the 1's which basically said it's Ronaldo ..... but fair point it was a bit of exaggeration they were all mocking but like your "Apart from a couple of posts (maybe add 2-3 more), I didn't see any posts mocking or dismissive. " we can all be a bit guilty of slightly twisting things on forums. That shouldn't be an excuse though for any of us so i apologize for the exaggeration.

 

[smi11ie]

Ronaldo will only be a huge miss if he's injured.

^^^^^
This.

Ronaldo will get goals but he will also organise midfield and attack. Greenwood will have a great season under Ronaldo's guidance. Sancho will find his feet on his own as he seems quite mentally strong. Rashford will be hit or miss but he loves it and I am sure Ronaldo and him will gell. Bruno will have the leash on and have to drop into midfield to help. Cavani will be a grateful 85th minute substitute, probably bagging 20 goals.

 

[roonster09]

I would say stats aren't everything for example on the same website it says Martial has a press rate 10.49 so nearly 4 more Ronaldo. and it's pretty much accepted martials work rate off the ball is poor verging on not acceptable, so you put Ronaldo in there who presses even less and you see my concern as to why it's a worry. You also compare it to Kane who got criticism last season for not working off the ball and his stats are 5 more. I have also tried to find a player with a lower press rate than Ronaldo and have been struggling. So if you're using these stats it shows you where Ronaldo stands in terms of his out-of-possession work, bottom or close to the bottom of the pile would be where he sits. Plus he 36 now and has a contract till he is 38 so its only going to deteriorate further.

But fair shout on the Lukaku stats I watching his he definitely seems more mobile and works significantly harder than Ronaldo off the ball, yet his presses are lower than Martials, which says a lot So a fair point.

I would say I tried to answer the ones explaining why I might be wrong but got fed up with the 1's which basically said it's Ronaldo ..... but fair point it was a bit of exaggeration they were all mocking but like your "Apart from a couple of posts (maybe add 2-3 more), I didn't see any posts mocking or dismissive. " we can all be a bit guilty of slightly twisting things on forums. That shouldn't be an excuse though for any of us.

Ofcourse Ronaldo is very poor at pressing, no point pretending it isn't (I don't think that's an argument anyone should be making as he is very poor at it). Your post was about Lukaku, so I said Lukaku isn't much better.

Then you said Lukaku offered more, so that chart shows what they offer apart from goals/assists. Kane is obviously much better passer, apart from that Ronaldo is better at almost everything. Among the 4, Ronaldo is second better at passes and best at almost everything.

 

[OleTheGreat]

1. His wages will stretch the frontier which agents will be able to explore when dealing with us over contract extensions in the future (we have seen this in the past already with Sanchez, Pogba, DDG). See Barca.

2. Non-existent defensive contributions will impact our shape and will put an immense pressure on our midfielders. Everyone could see the difference between Cavani and Martial last season and how it impacts our ability to press effectively from the front.

3. He can’t play with his back at all and do the hold-up as he only operates well in spaces since he’s not your classic #9.

4. In case he’ll be performing poorly Ole will shy away to change him due to his status and ego in order not to upset him, which will hinder our team.

I personally feel he’ll end up being a costly mistake for us (taking away the balance that Cavani brings) and Ole (will ultimately lose the job as a result) when you don’t look through the euphoria lenses. I may be underestimating Ronaldo greatly here but this is my feeling with respect to this transfer, having watched him play these last few seasons where he struggled to influence the games when he’s not scoring penalties or poaching goals are not on.

Can we do a poll on this?

I personally think this is all a PR stunt from the Glazers. According to many reports, Man United were done with the transfer business after getting Sancho and Varane. In spite of numerous pleads from Ex United players/Legends and fans, they did not get a midfielder. But all of a sudden they could fork out 25 million euros and afford to pay Cristiano Ronaldo's salary for 2 years. Where did the money come from all of a sudden? The owners know full well that CR7 will bring in a lot of TV money and business and that is the only bonus from this transfer. I think he's old and it is ridiculous to think we'll get the same Ronaldo we or Madrid had those years ago. I'm sure he's still worlds ahead of many of our players but I don't think he was a genuine addition to the squad because of any need. Since he wanted to move at any cost and we didn't want him at City, he's here is all. He will get us 20+ goals for sure but in no way is he going to help us in terms of building a better team or the way we play. Initially players will go a level-up because of his presence but it will die down eventually and we'll get to see the same lame football we always do.

I also think you are right in saying that Ronaldo is in no way a proper #9. He will falter there and will not dropped regardless. I hope Ole is clever and plays Ronaldo on the left of Cavani with Sancho on the right. Greenwood is still young and can slot into Cavani's position or Sancho's position when we need him and Sancho can play on both wings. Ronaldo should definitely not be our striker but I think he will be. We still need improvements in the midfield area and for sure many teams will take advantage of that.

Unless Unless we play a 4-4-2 :P

 

[Mr PG]

Some people would even have turned down Messi because "he could be a huge miss ya know".

Cavani is great but only here 1 more season....and Ronaldo we have option for a further year....will be scoring headers till he retires.

 

[Chief123]

The crosses were very ordinary, the kind Shaw or Bruno can play with ease. Ronaldo makes them into goals with incredible instincts and an exceptional leap. If all we need to do is put in basic crosses like that, we’re laughing. The idea that “just” scoring the two winning goals in a poor team performance is nothing to write home about is pretty silly…that’s what wins titles.

Exactly. If you watch the replay for the equaliser you notice every player went beyond the ball which was chipped behind them. But Ronaldo was the only one who had the instinct to pull back into the spot where the ball arrived. That decision making is what made the goal. Something we’ve missed a lot.

 

[meamth]

Ireland are championship level lads. Ronaldo is world class? He hasn’t looked anything like a World class player. Just a poacher in the heavy favourites team like he was most of the time at Juve too.

Hopefully he’s better for us than he was tonight.

Yeah last night maybe he need to have 0 loss of possession, 105% passing accuracy, 75 key passes, 15 xG, 22 xA, 30km distance covered, 65 won headers, 44 successful tackles, 125 successful take ons, 968 touches and 234 shots saved.

 

[OleTheGreat]

I think we already had Cavani who already offered exactly what we will want from Ronaldo. It’s a mixture of sentimentality and marketing opportunism. I don’t think he’s physical or hardworking enough to trouble the better PL defenders. I also don’t think we are creative enough to make pure chances for him over and over. He’s probably going to cancel Bruno out somewhat. We are a scrappy team and I feel like we needed more fighters instead of technical players or world class players on the way down. i hope I’m wrong.

He scores. He was shite tonight though.

You're absolutely right. We definitely need fighters specially in that midfield.

 

[roonster09]

The crosses were very ordinary, the kind Shaw or Bruno can play with ease. Ronaldo makes them into goals with incredible instincts and an exceptional leap. If all we need to do is put in basic crosses like that, we’re laughing. The idea that “just” scoring the two winning goals in a poor team performance is nothing to write home about is pretty silly…that’s what wins titles.

This is one of the point I argued few years ago, when people talk about player's strengths and weakness, they don't highlight how Ronaldo makes average cross into very dangerous one and also at his peak how he was such a great outlet to create chances with his off the ball movement.

 

[Siorac]

Cavani was good for us, but the numbers Ronaldo puts even in an underwhelming Juve are great.

He scored 33 (24 without penalties) against Cavani's 16 for us.

Anyway it's a nice problem to have.

Cavani's 'minutes per non-penalty goals' ratio was actually better than Ronaldo's though, Ronaldo just played a lot more and he was Juve's penalty taker. But Cavani scored a non-penalty goal every 129 minutes for us (17 goals in 2192 minutes) while Ronaldo scored one every 139 minutes (27 goals in 3750 minutes).

But yeah it's a nice problem to have.

 

[MrEleson]

Pirlo is a bad manager but they were not that bad against those small teams. Some here makes me think they're talking about the current Arsenal.

They dropped points home and away against absolute dross last season like newly promoted benevento amongst others (that went on to get relegated). I can tell you that Juve dominated very little of the games they played in Serie A. Most of their wins were heavily laboured, relying on individual brilliance.

 

[Kcocymkcus]

I think with Ronaldo its more about what he brings to the team with his experience and passion for the game. If its one thing we seriously lack in some games, its a player that can raise the other players. Far too many games last season, and already this season, where players aimlessly bimble about, waiting for another player to bring a spark. Ronaldo will at least give us that option and fire up the other players if they aren't delivering. We've missed a focal point up front for far too long. When Cavani is playing the team instantly knows they have a world class player up front to try and get the ball too, the same will happen with Ronaldo as a focal point. When Rashford or Martial are playing its like the players can't be bothered to pass it to them and happy to just play sideways football.

He's such a inspiration to the other players, that what he lacks in youthfulness these days, he will more than make up for in sheer radiance on the pitch, which will give our more mediocre players something to focus on. It will make us shift the ball up front quicker, that's for sure.

Put it this way, if he was playing at City, Liverpool or Chelsea you would fear him. You would hate to be up against him as a defender, because you've always got to mark him no matter what. He will drag opponents around and create more space.

 

[Withnail]

i mean, 100 meters in 14 seconds isnt saying much. I am however more concerned about his acceleration. He used to be really quick off the mark, now it looks like defenders can deal with him.

Does it really? What evidence is there for this?

His goal scoring record suggests that defenders can't deal with him.

 

[Rajma]

Cavani's 'minutes per non-penalty goals' ratio was actually better than Ronaldo's though, Ronaldo just played a lot more and he was Juve's penalty taker. But Cavani scored a non-penalty goal every 129 minutes for us (17 goals in 2192 minutes) while Ronaldo scored one every 139 minutes (27 goals in 3750 minutes).

But yeah it's a nice problem to have.

Thanks for this stat and it really goes against many things that have been said here like Ronaldo is 5 times the player Cavani is. At this stage of their careers I don’t think that’s the case when you actually watch them play. Both bring different qualities to the table but to outright say that Cavani is not a match for Ronaldo at this point is clearly wrong.

 

[Withnail]

Why do you have to label an opinion unpopular? To cover your ass?

A seemingly unsuccessful attempt to mitigate against the backlash

 

[RooneyLegend]

I think your name says everything here really.

Not sure I understand.

 

[Ali Dia]

2 easy chances? Absolute nonsense both of those were world class headers that most forwards would not have scored.

For all you are writing about Ronaldo he will score more goals than any other player we have. You can say Bruno has been our best player but he’s been horribly inconsistent since January and continued in that vein this season….in addition we haven’t won anything. So we need better players than Bruno. Ronaldo is better than Bruno. Considerably so.

Good finishes but he is probably not going to come up against a team as poor or tired as Ireland were again for the rest of the season. Maybe in the group stages of the CL or early rounds of the cups. On paper our lads should have been losing that game 4-0 with Portugal in third gear but they struggled to feed Ronaldo.

I get what you’re saying about always needing to add better players but sometimes a more proactive overall approach is preferable to having star names or better players on paper who just provide more of the same thing. Cavani could have got us 20 league goals and pressed centre backs making extra space for Bruno and the wingers to come into play but now I’m sure Ronaldo will get those goals but beyond that I’m not sure how he will improve our overall play and what knock on it will have with the rest of the attack. I think it’s a genuine concern to have until things hopefully play out totally differently.

 

[smi11ie]

Not sure I understand.

I think he means that you are expecting Ronaldo to fail due to his age. Rooney kind of failed at the end but Ronaldo is different. Did you see his physique after the Ireland winner? Rooney and Ronaldo are not comparable. Rooney is a fags and beer guy, Ronaldo is a water and water guy.

 

[shamans]

Pirlo is a bad manager but they were not that bad against those small teams. Some here makes me think they're talking about the current Arsenal.

If your opinion is based on their records alone then tbh it's not valid at all. It's like saying Sanchez must have hit the same numbers at United as he did at Arsenal, based on his career and records. Lot of things must be taken into consideration here. Football is not that simple. Wait at least till mid season and we're more likely to have an idea.

Right so there's no proof to say crap like he's not even top ten anymore ?

Again who are these ten players. I understand criticism but these are simply some bannable posts

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Cavani's 'minutes per non-penalty goals' ratio was actually better than Ronaldo's though, Ronaldo just played a lot more and he was Juve's penalty taker. But Cavani scored a non-penalty goal every 129 minutes for us (17 goals in 2192 minutes) while Ronaldo scored one every 139 minutes (27 goals in 3750 minutes).

But yeah it's a nice problem to have.

Wow. That’s interesting. Presumably all the stats also show that Cavani’s workrate was streets ahead of Ronaldo’s over the same period of time?

 

[RooneyLegend]

I think with Ronaldo its more about what he brings to the team with his experience and passion for the game. If its one thing we seriously lack in some games, its a player that can raise the other players. Far too many games last season, and already this season, where players aimlessly bimble about, waiting for another player to bring a spark. Ronaldo will at least give us that option and fire up the other players if they aren't delivering. We've missed a focal point up front for far too long. When Cavani is playing the team instantly knows they have a world class player up front to try and get the ball too, the same will happen with Ronaldo as a focal point. When Rashford or Martial are playing its like the players can't be bothered to pass it to them and happy to just play sideways football.

He's such a inspiration to the other players, that what he lacks in youthfulness these days, he will more than make up for in sheer radiance on the pitch, which will give our more mediocre players something to focus on. It will make us shift the ball up front quicker, that's for sure.

Put it this way, if he was playing at City, Liverpool or Chelsea you would fear him. You would hate to be up against him as a defender, because you've always got to mark him no matter what. He will drag opponents around and create more space.

Sorry but Juve were dire with him in the side and since he got there almost no player raised their level. In fact, almost everyone got worse and worse as time went on. All that radiance also got Portugal nowhere quickly at the Euros too with hoards of under performing players. Cavani energised the team with his work rate and intensity as well as his goals. That work rate that Ronaldo just doesn't have at this point.

 

[James Peril]

Jesus christ, some guy on the internet comments on Ronaldo, the guy who has won five Champions Leagues and five Ballon d’Ors. Him and Messi have 11 rewards between them, football isn’t just about contributing defensively. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show buddy, you’ve just shit your pants on this one to be fair.

 

[scottw]

Take 1 minute and look how Cavi has helped United. Yes Greenwood was a decent goal scorer, now he is killing it. You think that would have happened if Cavi didn't come in and work with him? Rash has been hurt for the last year, wait until Ronnie comes in to help Rash learn how to STOP OVER DRIBBILING and SHOOT THE DAM BALL. AM is just a lost cause, nothing can help that sourpuss get any better, he is just who he is, lazy and gets into his own mind.

Ronnie is going to come back here, and I can guarantee you he will win some critical games in the last minutes, you can refer back to this thread at the end of the season and call me an idiot if I am wrong, but he is exactly who we needed to continue this push back to what we once were! We will NOT become Arsenal!

 

[shamans]

Good finishes but he is probably not going to come up against a team as poor or tired as Ireland were again for the rest of the season. Maybe in the group stages of the CL or early rounds of the cups. On paper our lads should have been losing that game 4-0 with Portugal in third gear but they struggled to feed Ronaldo.

I get what you’re saying about always needing to add better players but sometimes a more proactive overall approach is preferable to having star names or better players on paper who just provide more of the same thing. Cavani could have got us 20 league goals and pressed centre backs making extra space for Bruno and the wingers to come into play but now I’m sure Ronaldo will get those goals but beyond that I’m not sure how he will improve our overall play and what knock on it will have with the rest of the attack. I think it’s a genuine concern to have until things hopefully play out totally differently.

That's just so negative around half of the Irish team is premier league. He'll probably play against Duffy soon enough as well.

This wasn't Seychelles you know

 

[shamans]

Some of these negative posters are just doubling down instead of accepting their mistakes.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

Ofcourse Ronaldo is very poor at pressing, no point pretending it isn't (I don't think that's an argument anyone should be making as he is very poor at it). Your post was about Lukaku, so I said Lukaku isn't much better.

Then you said Lukaku offered more, so that chart shows what they offer apart from goals/assists. Kane is obviously much better passer, apart from that Ronaldo is better at almost everything. Among the 4, Ronaldo is second better at passes and best at almost everything.

Which if you back in the thread we are talking about, I was saying out of possession when you have Ronaldo it isn't much different to playing with 10 men, as his work rate is so minimal, then someone brought up Lukaku saying he is not that much better. Which from a naked eye i would have said Lukaku cover significantly more ground when his team is out of possession. But the stats don't show that. So I'm obviously wrong on that 1, and Lukaku's work rate is higher but not significantly higher going by these stats. But were talking about players who don't work as hard off the ball as Martial. That of course in very basic terms means the other 10 players on the pitch need to work harder, which of course has downsides and affects team selection and shape. Which was my original point.

 

[Eli Zee]

Popular Opinion: Ronaldo will be a huge miss *when we are resting him*