Three Manchester United players who will improve without Cristiano Ronaldo

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Manchester United are having to face the potential of being without Cristiano Ronaldo next season, BBC Sport report.

Replacing the club’s top scorer will not be simple, as there are plenty of other areas in the team which already require fixing.

But could letting Ronaldo leave actually contribute towards an upturn in form in other positions? The Portuguese superstar struggled to gel with his teammates on the pitch, and if he leaves, some of them may play with a little more freedom.

Here is a look at three Manchester United players who will improve without Cristiano Ronaldo…

READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23

Bruno Fernandes

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Manchester United could have worked out so well for Bruno Fernandes, but the pair struggled to combine in the Premier League.

The duo combined for only three goals at United, the last of which came in November 2021. They just weren’t on the same wavelength. Just one of these came in the Premier League.

Fernandes also appeared overshadowed by Ronaldo, who took over penalty duties. When Fernandes did get a spot-kick, he missed.

With a different, less over-bearing centre-forward, Fernandes could get back to becoming the player who took over the Premier League in his first 18 months at United and won two player of the season awards.

Their connection has not been successful for Portugal, and despite training together daily, it has not improved at United.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford appeared totally overawed at playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and while this is no excuse for his poor displays or a perceived lack of effort, he will likely kick on without the superstar forward.

United will look to Rashford to take more responsibility and step up, there will be no place to hide. And in a contract year, the forward has a lot to prove.

Rashford scored only five goals last season, but struck 43 in the two years combined pre-Ronaldo. Hitting double figures this coming season is a must.

Harry Maguire

Manchester United’s captain saw his performance levels drop during the 2022/23 season. There have been repeated calls for him to lose the armband, in favour of Ronaldo.

The Mirror described a ‘power struggle’ between Ronaldo and Maguire, at the centre of a dressing room split. These rumours plagued United all season long.

Ronaldo’s exit would take all this away, and for Maguire, it would be easier to simply concentrate on his game.

Whether the centre-back retains the captain’s armband or not, Ronaldo’s departure would certainly lead to Maguire feeling more relaxed, and able to produce his best form.