Is Cristiano Ronaldo a Manchester United legend? He was the club’s first superstar and the world’s best player at one point. But can he live up to that reputation? Or is he just a one-man show with a bleak future at Old Trafford? Let’s take a look at the facts. If Ronaldo really is Manchester United’s legend, he should be.
Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United’s legend
There’s no doubt about it: Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend at Manchester United. The Portugal international has led the club to three successive Premier League titles and one Champions League title. The only player to win three major awards for United, he has also been regarded as one of the best players of all time. At the age of 24, Ronaldo is already competing with the likes of David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, and George Best for the title of greatest United player.
The debate over whether Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United’s greatest ever player is largely based on perception. Among Manchester United legends, Best won the club’s first Premier League title in 1966. Ronaldo, who has not yet reached his midfield peak, has already exceeded Best’s record for goals by a midfielder. This is the latest example of Ronaldo’s greatness.
Although the Portuguese international has yet to reach his peak at Real Madrid, his stats speak for themselves. Despite the many criticisms of his behavior off the pitch, it’s hard to deny his legendary status at the Red Devils. His dazzling goals and incredible performances have paved the way for Manchester United’s recent triumphs. Despite the criticism of his behavior off the pitch, the Portuguese star’s love for the club is evident in his actions on and off the pitch.
During his first three years at Manchester United, Ronaldo failed to win a league title. However, his performances during that period were impressive enough to get him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award and he also earned a spot in the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Season. However, he wasn’t the same player as during his first spell at Manchester United, and his explosiveness was no longer at the same level.
He was the world’s best player
The Portuguese superstar is part of the elite group of Manchester United legends. He has helped the club win three successive Premier League titles and a Champions League title in 2008, which makes him the only player in United history to win all three major honours. He was already considered one of the best players in United history when he left the club for Real Madrid for a world record PS80 million fee. While his on-field antics continue to raise controversy, he plays with silky skills and cocky arrogance. The legend is one that will live on long after his career is over.
A great football legend has many admirers and there is no doubt that Ronaldo has earned a lot of respect for his contribution to the club. However, he is far from the only player to have been a Manchester United legend. Wayne Rooney, despite having played for United for 13 years, has cult status and has won the world cup three times. He is also the club’s most prolific goalscorer and has achieved cult status.
In 2013, Ronaldo had his greatest season to date. He won the Ballon d’Or twice, pipped Lionel Messi to the award for the second time. He scored 24 goals for United and was named the PFA’s Premier League Player of the Year. However, he was not the same player as during his first spell at the club. He was not as explosive as his former teammate.
After being crowned a Manchester United legend, Ronaldo has also played in the Champions League. He made his debut as a forward against Roma in 2006, where he was booed for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho. The boos he drew from the Manchester United fans inspired him to produce his best season. He was also second in the Ballon d’Or a year later.
He was the club’s best player
During his 25-year stint in the Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo was voted as Manchester United’s best player. The Portuguese international first came to prominence in the Premier League when he joined the club from his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon. His goalscoring ability was instantly apparent, and he ended up scoring 118 goals in 292 appearances. He went on to win three Premier League titles and the 2007/8 Champions League. He was named the team’s best player, beating out fellow players Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
Although he had departed United before the 2009 season, Ronaldo made his return in a stunning fashion. The Portuguese international had been on the verge of a move to Manchester City, and it was a shock to see the club sell their star. But after a successful season at Old Trafford, he dominated the world of football. Despite the shock news, Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United was welcomed with enthusiasm. It was the first time in five years that the club had signed a player who had left before the season had begun.
In addition to his outstanding season, Ronaldo was named player of the match ten times. He was also named United’s player of the month five times. In addition to this, he scored six goals in the Champions League. He was the team’s top scorer in 2008 and was a key player for the club. The club finished sixth in the Premier League under Ronaldo’s leadership.
In November 2002, Ronaldo visited the training grounds of Arsenal. Arsene Wenger had been interested in signing him. Later, Gerard Houllier, then Manchester United’s manager, came to notice of the Portuguese winger. In the summer of 2003, the club’s players urged him to sign the player. He was the only player to score twice in a Champions League match and one goal in the FA Cup final against Millwall.
He has a bright future at Old Trafford
There is much speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United. The Times reported that the Portuguese international has requested to leave Old Trafford to play Champions League football for the remainder of his career. However, United insist that they are not for sale and have refused to sell their star player. Moreover, they have told the Portuguese striker that the offer that they have received from other clubs is not acceptable.
Many believe that the Portuguese international’s signing was ill-conceived, but the signing has helped United come out of the rut it was in before the club signed him. However, Ronaldo has displayed flashes of brilliance, proving that he is not a one-man band. He is not enough to fix Manchester United, so Ten Hag must look elsewhere. However, that doesn’t mean he will never get a chance to prove himself at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese superstar has hinted that he will stay at Manchester United after the season. He is reportedly “very happy” at Old Trafford and has his sights set on winning a major honour in 2022-23. After all, the deal was signed in summer 2021, so it seems that the Portuguese forward will be back at Manchester United for the next two years. The club have also signed Erik ten Hag to take over as manager in 2022-23.
In addition to his contract at Manchester United, a year extension is also possible. Although the move is subject to visa and medical clearance, the transfer of Ronaldo to United is set to go through. It is possible that Solskjaer hinted at the signing when he gave his press conference. Former United players have also welcomed Ronaldo back to the club. It would be a coup for United and the MLS club.
He will be missed by fans
Manchester United and Liverpool fans came together during the game to show support for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star was away on compassionate leave after the death of his newborn son. Ronaldo’s shirt number was seven, and Liverpool fans broke into a chorus of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ during the seventh minute. Both teams’ players wore black armbands, as was Ronaldo. Fans have expressed their grief and love for the ‘Champagne Man’.
Manchester United’s preseason tour begins tomorrow in Bangkok. Ronaldo is expected to miss the tour, but has been granted additional time off due to a family issue. The Portuguese superstar has repeatedly hinted at his desire to leave the club this summer in order to play Champions League football. It is unclear whether his decision to stay or leave is related to this issue. But if he stays with the club, his future is uncertain.
The Portuguese international has been out of the spotlight for much of the season. Although he re-joined the club in the summer, his form has not been as good. He has not scored for six consecutive matches and is a major concern to fans. While he was a sensational player for United, he is currently struggling with form. After revealing in October that he and Georgina Rodriguez were expecting twins, the couple has yet to share a birth date.
Manchester United fans have also expressed their deepest sympathy for the Portuguese superstar. While the team is in the midst of a difficult period, they have continued to support their teammate. The club has also sent messages of support to Ronaldo from his fellow players and his clubs. It is unlikely that he will return to Old Trafford, but his presence at the club is sure to be missed. So many United fans will miss him.
