Cristiano Ronaldo was on the wrong end of a thrashing by Liverpool a fortnight ago when Manchester United were beaten 5-0.
It was a humiliation for United, and for Ronaldo, as a career record equalling heaviest defeat.
There was one other time Ronaldo lost 5-0, with Real Madrid against Barcelona a decade ago.
At that time Barcelona were on a different planet. They were so superior to Real that night that it looked like Ronaldo would never be able to get his side to an equal or superior level.
That was how Liverpool made United look. Jurgen Klopp’s side looked like they played in a different league. They were a level above, going 5-0 up after 50 minutes and then easing off.
Is this the end of the Ronaldo v Liverpool chapter? No. It is only just getting started.
Ronaldo has bounced back impressively, scoring three goals in his following two games.
The Barcelona defeat inspired him too. He netted nine goals in his next six games after the 5-0 loss.
In the next meeting later that season Ronaldo dragged Real to a draw against Barcelona, closing the gap, scoring in a 1-1 tie.
The very next season Ronaldo scored a winning goal to secure Real Madrid a 2-1 win at the Nou Camp, in their first visit since the 2-1 defeat.
Ronaldo saw the challenge Barcelona offered, and did not shy away. He rose to it, taking his Real career up a level.
Just one season after losing 5-0 to Barcelona, Ronaldo was lifting the La Liga title in 2011/12.
He would go on to add a further four Champions League titles, compared to a further one won by Lionel Messi following the famous 5-0 win.
Ronaldo has still got it
Don’t bet against Ronaldo turning Manchester United around. He is giving it everything he can.
When he sees a challenge in his career, he rises to it. The Liverpool defeat may actually have inspired him.
Ronaldo has witnessed first-hand how far off United are. And he will do everything in his power to drag United back up to a competitive level.
Even at the age of 36 he has still got it. He probably has several years left at the top level. He has shown this week he is up for the fight.
What Ronaldo needs, is real leadership and a strong manager. United don’t have a top level coach right now.
Back in 2011/12 Real had Jose Mourinho, who at the time was at his peak too. He was certainly a better manager than the version United got between 2016 and 2018.
So nobody with a right mind is calling for Mourinho to come back, but United need his modern day equivalent.
Ronaldo can still take United to where the club aspire to be, but he needs the pieces in place around him.
This means a watertight defence, a solid midfield, and a winning manager. United don’t have any of these three right now.
Ronaldo will give it everything he has got, and don’t bet against him. United just need to help him out.
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