28 Aug 2021 07:20:43
A huge boost in optimism, but we should keep our feet on the ground, this isn't CR of 10 years ago. Ronaldo will want service, will demand it. At 36 going on 37 he will not be running back to help defend but he will not hide, he will demand service. One of the great headers of a football, he will want crosses as well, so less pass inside retain the ball nonsense.

We still need to address midfield, so I hope they sell several players including Martial and buy a central MF player. We also just became a more attractive team to play for, I suspect players will want to play with the GOAT.

I would like to see Martial sold, the No9 to Cavani, the No7 to CR (If possible and if Cavani stays) and a CM bought. No more excuses and we must then be set up far less negatively, I suspect CR will demand more width and far more attacking. It will be a coaching challenge for sure.


1.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 07:53:06
The midfield is going to be key if we are to use our attacking prowess efficiently.

Ole can have no excuses now however the midfield already looks a big excuse in the making.


2.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 08:00:39
I think Trippier would make more sense now. With AWB's crossing, Ronaldo won't get 5 goals this season.


3.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 08:02:43
Good he is back, can teach Mason how to head a ball, and his demands to expect the best will hopefully show the others the levels required to win trophies.


4.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 08:13:17
I just hope we take the shackles off and tell them to go and score goals. I would prefer to win 5-3 than 1-0 and we certainly have the firepower to do after teams.

The worry is there is no time left to do all the wheeling and dealing that would be needed to generate funds for a new midfielder. If Carrick was playing today he’d be worth a fortune, I wonder how fit he is?


5.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 08:20:52
United Addict,

With Ronaldo in the team and not doing much tracking back I reckon Ole will want one of his full backs to stay deep and it certainly isn't going to be Shaw. AWB would nicely fit in such a scenario.

We have enough in terms of providing service to Ronaldo in the form of Bruno, Pogba, Sancho and even Greenwood and Rashford so Trippier is not a big deal for me.

A CM is going to make a lot more sense which will balance the squad and help us control midfield battles.


6.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 14:43:15
The best thing for me about Ronaldo returning is that Greenwood Rashford Sancho etc are going to watch this machine in training and how he lives his life and realise hopefully, that if you want to be the very best this is the level of dedication you need. Ronaldo also has the mentality of being a winner and hopefully will demand this from them just as the Nevilles and Keanes did of him when he was a young kid first arriving in Manchester.