Cristiano Ronaldo‘s tantrum against Tottenham last month came amid a frustration at a lack of playing time.
After briefly axing him from the squad against Chelsea, Ronaldo has returned to the United side, starting every game.
This was a reprieve for Ronaldo which was both unexpected and undeserved. The ageing superstar was dropped in the first place for two reasons.
These are that United are a better team without him, and when he does play, he is too wasteful. The past four games have been further evidence of this.
Having been given a chance to show what he is capable of, Ronaldo has illustrated that he is not the player United need.
Cristiano Ronaldo has wasted his latest chance at Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggles early in the season could be attributed to a lack of pre-season or irregular gametime.
Now with four consecutive starts, there is no hiding place for Ronaldo. He is simply not up to scratch from what United require from a player in his position.
Let’s go through his last four starts for Manchester United since missing the Chelsea game.
Ronaldo v Sheriff Tiraspol: Ronaldo scored his third goal of the season in this 3-0 win. But this match was just as much about the chances he missed. He had five attempts and struggled to find the net until his goal late in the second half.
Ronaldo v West Ham: Ronaldo simply wasn’t a threat. He had six attempts, all wasteful, with only one long range effort testing the goalkeeper. He was overshadowed by Marcus Rashford.
Ronaldo v Real Sociedad: An impressive assist for Alejandro Garnacho’s goal. But he missed a big chance later in the first half, shooting over the bar. These were the type of big games Ronaldo once used to step up in.
Ronaldo v Aston Villa: Ronaldo was anonymous in the loss at Villa Park. He managed only 25 touches, and had one effort on target from three attempts, a weak header from which he should have done better. Being given the captaincy did not help.
Ten Hag’s decision has got easier
Ronaldo has made evident he doesn’t want to be left out of the line-up, but having been given an opportunity, he has failed to positively state his case.
Erik ten Hag’s decision to subsequently drop Cristiano Ronaldo has now become easier, much to Ronaldo’s chagrin.
Anthony Martial made his return to action as a substitute against Aston Villa, and will likely start in the Carabao Cup this week, and he will get the chance to keep his place against Fulham.
When we get into 2023, the choice becomes even more stark. Ronaldo could even be sold in January if he is not wanted, or has another offer, while his contract expires next summer.
Ten Hag will already be looking at how he can replace him, but right now, United already have better options with Martial and Marcus Rashford.
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