Varun Pai
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defends Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo amidst criticism in Leicester City defeat
Speaking in the pre-match press conference (h/t The Metro), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo after receiving criticism in the defeat to Leicester City.
The Portuguese was the massive addition to the club at the end of the transfer window that could have propelled them back to their glory days. It has been a long time since the club lifted a major trophy, and Ronaldo’s return was certainly met with fireworks.
While the 36-year-old has scored five goals in seven games across all competitions this season, his lack of pressing in the defeat to Leicester City was met by criticism as Gary Neville singled out him and Fernandes for ‘doing nothing’ in the game.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now addressed this criticism and has defended his star centre-forward. The Norwegian told reporters in the press conference ahead of the Champions League clash against Atalanta (h/t The Metro):
‘We have got 11 players out there on the pitch. We have different roles and responsibilities, and we have a team out there that we really think is going to win that game.
‘We didn’t against Leicester, so there is always going to be criticism. And Cristiano is an absolute top player, we know what he can do for us, he is doing everything he can do to help the team.’
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It is no secret that the former Juventus man is not known for his defensive exploits as he is somebody who produces his best input in the attacking half of the pitch. However, it is perhaps proving decisive in a competition as tough as the Premier League.
Regardless, with the club set to play against Liverpool, Man City, Atalanta, and Tottenham in the next three weeks, Ronaldo could give a befitting reply to his critics and display what he brings to the party.
