Since his rearrival in Manchester, Cristiano Ronaldo has prevented a titanic worthy season for Manchester United.
The 36-year-old has contributed to four game-winning goals, pulling his side to the top of Group F against Villareal and Atalanta. In recent weeks preventing his side from an embarrassing defeat at Atalanta again with his last-minute goal from out of nowhere, the man has been a machine for the red devils.
Those goals discussed were just in Ronaldo's territory, the UCL, a competition he has planted his foot in since his first coming to Manchester. Ronaldo has one game-winning goal in the Premier League against Tottenham, contributing to Nuno Espírito Santo's soon after departure from the yids.
In total, Ronaldo has nine goals since his rearrival back in August. However, they haven't led him to praise from the press and pundits.
The media have seemed to take the narrative that Manchester United are headed towards a more pressing tactical set-up this season, similar to Jurgen Klopp's famous gegenpress. However, Ronaldo has recently taken heavy criticism for his lack of running when out of possession,
In a post-match discussion, Former Manchester United man Gary Neville reflected on Ronaldo's pressing-
"You couldn't carry him in the big games because he generally doesn't work hard enough." [Neville reflecting on the UCL semi-final vs Barcelona in 2008]
However, this isn't the same club as it was a decade ago, and Ronaldo isn't the same player he was a decade ago either. Whilst his pressing stats are woeful, the Manchester United Veteran adds a lot more than a minor statistic. He's a man that has contributed to his side being top of their group in the UCL, a man who adds composure and clutch to a different level, a man who adds a winners mentality amongst the changing room, a man who demands success, a man who hasn't gone a season trophyless since 2013 (his only trophyless season in his career)
So yes, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo isn't a pressing player. He is a game-winning veteran, so how can Manchester United get the best out of the veteran and prevent the ship from sinking?
There are multiple possibilities for Manchester United due to their incredible depth and talent throughout the squad.
One scenario would be to utilise Jadon Sancho and Jesse Lingard. Ronaldo is a player that needs the ball at his feet. Even if it's for a matter of seconds, the man needs service to create and execute brilliance. Utilising Sancho down the left flank with fellow Englishman Lingard down the right could see them do just that.
As seen last season at Borrusia Dortmund, Sancho can play down either wing, with the 21-year-old starting 76% of his 38 games in a wing position. And whilst Manchester United may have signed him for his services at Right Wing, the 21-year-old is statistically more efficient down the left.
The stats above show that Sancho is 0.2 more efficient per 90 down the left-wing. This could be a massive advantage for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as Sancho already has experience playing with a goal-scoring machine from his time with 21-year-old Erling Haaland.
So Sancho looks to be noteworthy down either flank, preferably the left, but what about Jesse Lingard?
Since the 2019/2020 season, Jesse Lingard has struggled for form when playing for Manchester United, and as we have learnt from his interview, this was due to his ongoing battle with mental health.
Jesse Lingard has had his fair share of games at Right Wing, and whilst it's not his preferred position, he has proven he can step up and play the role if need be. Lingard has played 23.7% of his games at Manchester united down the Right-wing and has 0.42 g/a per 90 in the position. The 28-year-old has always used deft touches and quick short passes, traits that can get the ball into Ronaldo or inside the box for a shot, something sene under previous managers when Lingard starts down the right.
This duo could really prove helpful for Manchester United and see them finally get Ronaldo smashing in goals like he did for Juventus, Real Madrid and his first spell at Manchester United.
One man who has yet to be discussed is the gaffer, Ole Gunnar Solskær. Ole has always preferred right-footed players down the left and left-footed players down the right, as seen with his preferred duo of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
Whilst both of these players are of excellent quality, they are both primarily goalscorers, always looking to be on the ball to run at the defence, cut inside and shoot to score. Their styles simply do not complement a player with the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Considering Ole's preference, a duo of Frenchman Antony Martial and Sancho could prove to suffice. Martial has had spells at LW and has been rather impressive when played there. As discussed earlier with Sancho, just because he is better down the left, it would be stupid to neglect his talent when down the right.
This duo would suit Ole more, as Sancho has no problem cutting inside, passing and dribbling with his weak foot.
In terms of stats, Anthony Martial has started 45.6% of his Man Utd games at LW, holding 0.59 G/A per 90, an impressive showing for the 25-year-old man. This duo would be ruthless along with Ronaldo and would see the front line further bonded.
Whether Ole will stick with what he has right now, change back to the 4-2-3-1 with Greenwood and Rashford being starters, or switch to either idea provided, is something to be discovered soon.
More on this story to follow.
Comments