3 reasons Cristiano Ronaldo is still needed by Manchester United
He is 37 years old and this season he has only scored one goal (from a penalty), he is not even the main choice as a regular player because he is considered not ideal in the coach's playing scheme.
Yes, that situation happened at Manchester United regarding the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo. Wealth is owned, healthy life, but nothing can fight age that continues to grow every year.
Ronaldo staysRonaldowith a name that has always been in the media's attention, even since the summer of 2022 there has always been news about him from rumors of leaving after questioning the club's ambitions, to fears of rival Lionel Messi's record in the Champions League.
Ronaldo Club, Man United, this season featured in the Europa League because last season finished outside the top four and failed to win a trophy.
Some people believe that Ronaldo's departure is a good thing for Man United, but on the other hand, Ronaldo should still be needed by the club - as Erik ten Hag, Man United coach said. There are a number of factors of course why he is still needed by the club.
1. Lead Young Players
Since returning to Man United in 2021 and serving a second spell with the Red Devils, Ronaldo has been plotted to become a leader for the club's young players. With great success in his career, Ronaldo's experience can be an example for them.
Ten Hag is right, judging that the presence of Ronaldo, Casemiro, Raphael Varane, and players with a winning mentality from previous clubs should be contagious to other teammates.
“Are we talking about leadership? Today we have leadership on the pitch, but he is also one of them. He (Casemiro) knows the game, he knows how to win - in his career, he won so many trophies, and that's important.
"Raphael Varane has it (the trophy), with Casemiro and another with Ronaldo - you need some guidance for young players who haven't achieved this until now because that is what we want to achieve with trophies."
2. Player Rotation
Man United did not play in the Champions League, but they still participate in the Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Premier League. Not to mention that from November to December 2022 there will be a World Cup.
Ronaldo is clearly still needed by Man United so that the rotation of Ten Hag's players goes well. After Edinson Cavani left, Ronaldo was practically the only experienced striker who could lead the lineup front.
Ronaldo will often be rotated by Ten Hag's main strikers such as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. The last name is prone to injury, as a result, the existence of Ronaldo is still very much needed by the club.
3. Erik ten Hag's Project
The Dutch coach never tires of answering media questions about Ronaldo's role in his team, in the philosophy of football he is trying to implement. Ten Hag also answered firmly: Ronaldo is not for sale and is needed in his project.
"He is getting closer (to the best fitness), when he gets more fitness he will score more goals," Ten Hag said of Ronaldo.
"He's really committed to the project, really involved. He's also got connections coming around him and is building connections. I'm excited about that."
Coupled with the fact that Ronaldo insists he will still play until 2024 with the ambition of playing in the 2024 European Cup, then Man United is the right club for him to maintain his playing level and fitness.
