CR7’s return was supposed to be the final piece in the jigsaw for Manchester United to reclaim their glory days, but is it still that way?
The look of frustration and anger on Cristiano Ronaldo’s face when Southampton equalized during Saturday’s 1-1 draw said it all.
It was the same old story at Old Trafford.
Manchester United took a 1-0 lead at the break for the third game in a row. Yet, for the third time in succession, they conceded a goal in the second half to finish 1-1. This run has cost them a tilt at the FA Cup – a competition they should’ve challenged for – and four valuable points in the Premier League.
The main problem has been the attack. In Ralf Rangnick’s first 13 games in charge, United have only scored more than once in a match three times. The interim manager claims the team ‘create enough chances’, but the results say otherwise. Ronaldo – one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time – is on his worst goal drought since he was last at the Theatre of Dreams in 2009.
Only this time, things are a lot worse.
Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score in any of his last 6 appearances in all competitions, his longest drought at club level since January 2009.
A rare, unwanted record. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/cqggWp6Lck
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 12, 2022
What could cause CR7 to leave?
The Portuguese’s sensational return to the club where he first made his name is quickly turning into a nightmare.
The Southampton game was probably one of his worst in a Red Devils jersey. He only had two shots in all. The match quickly went downhill for him after missing a chance inside the opening five minutes, repeatedly getting flagged for offside and being outfought by the Saints defenders frequently.
The goals are still in him, of course. His volley against Tottenham in October and European heroics are hard to forget. Let’s not forget either that while he is 37, he’s the club’s top scorer for this season with 14 goals in all competitions – seven more than their second-highest scorer Bruno Fernandes.
But results have gone awry, and Rangnick has said United need a new striker in the summer. Reports have linked them to the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
Ralf Rangnick on signing a younger striker in the summer: “This is obvious. Edinson’s [Cavani] contract is running out in the summer and the club needs the best possible centre forward. This is an obvious one. I think everyone is aware of that.” #MUFC [MEN]
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) February 11, 2022
On top of that, the Red Devils might not even be in the Champions League for next season. There is still no word on who will be appointed as the club’s next permanent manager either, and Ronaldo only has a year left on his contract.
It seems a major rebuilding job is still needed in Manchester, something Ronaldo didn’t sign up for.
In fact, it was one of the reasons why he left Juventus last summer.
In some ways, the upcoming last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League could weigh even more heavily on the 37-year-old’s future than any of us could previously have imagined.
That and the identity of whoever succeeds Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Old Trafford dugout permanently.
Only time will tell.
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