Everyone who follows football in the 21st century understands the considerable importance of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most successful players in the history of the sport in every possible way.
The star from Sporting Lisbon gave rise to victorious journeys at Manchester United and especially at Real Madrid, where he definitely made history. After a brief stint at Juventus, he returned to Manchester United with the aim of continuing an unfinished story in English football.
The Portuguese star was very close to rival Manchester City in the transfer window that defined his move to the Red Devils, making his return to Old Trafford even more special.
Despite the lack of tactical ability of former coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s individuality stood out from the rest of his teammates at various moments. CR7 managed to lead Manchester United to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League with decisive goals in at least three matches.
However, Manchester United failed in the 2021/22 season by failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Accustomed to participation in the biggest club competition in world football, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his continuous desire to leave the Red Devils to avoid the Europa League.
The failed attempts at negotiations with other clubs considerably damaged CR7’s pre-season. The striker did not participate in collective activities and missed important moments of preparation with new coach Erik ten Hag, including an Asia tour and a friendly against Liverpool.
In other words, precisely in the transition to a more tactical, more collective and less individual tactical model, Cristiano Ronaldo took several selfish attitudes, seeking to be above Manchester United.
Dissatisfied with the bench, CR7 took some unbelievable actions, including refusing to join the team against Tottenham, and leaving the field before the final whistle, in one of the most unbelievable moments in recent Manchester United history.
In other words, this is the first time in the Premier League recent story that a player has put himself above a club, demonstrating an unimaginable disrespect on the part of Cristiano Ronaldo for such a special team in his career.
The situation since pre-season indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo would not want to remain at Manchester United. Now, the situation has been reversed, and the Red Devils no longer intend to rely on the Portuguese in the long term.
If he still thinks about staying in the Red Devils, it would be important for CR7 to realize that Erik ten Hag needs more collectivity from the Portuguese striker, on and off the lines.
The Dutch coach has previously indicated that he is thinking about having Cristiano Ronaldo at key moments in the season, positioning the Portuguese forward alongside Marcus Rashford.
Used to the position of absolute center forward at Real Madrid and Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo needs to find himself on the pitch to re-signify his importance. However, it is unfortunate that the Portuguese’s favorite position, at the moment, is off the pitch, on the bench.
