Aheed Abrar
Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United should let Cristiano Ronaldo leave after pre-season drama
Jamie Carragher has lashed out at Cristiano Ronaldo for his pre-season antics at Manchester United. The Liverpool legend has also been critical of Manchester United for how they’ve handled the situation.
The Portuguese has been seemingly angling for a move away from the Red Devils this summer. But the Manchester-based club have been determined to keep the 37-year-old at Old Trafford.
In a scathing article on The Telegraph (Subscription Required), Carragher wrote that the players at the Old Trafford club would be glad to see the back of Ronaldo this transfer window. The former Premier League defender’s opinion is that the squad would be better off without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“My suspicion is if Ten Hag held a private poll within his squad, the majority of United players would not mind if he left. His presence is suffocating them. You can question their mentality for allowing that to happen, but it is not helpful seeing him throw his arms around after every misplaced pass.”
The Portuguese returned to the Theatre of Dreams last summer after having left in 2009. The 37-year-old had a brilliant season in front of the goal. But he cut a frustrated figure at times for United as they missed out on Champions League football.
Ronaldo’s future uncertain
Now, Ronaldo has posed a headache for Erik ten Hag. The legendary number seven missed most of the training sessions under the new gaffer. The Portuguese returned for the final friendly against Rayo Vallecano. But it was evident that the 37-year-old wasn’t match-fit.
Carragher, who played for arch rivals Liverpool for 17 years during his career, feels that the fans also realise the predicament. The 44-year-old believes Ronaldo needs to be let go for Ten Hag to implement his authority fully.
“I believe the supporters have had enough, too. They will always love what he did for the club but can see his presence is now doing more harm than good.
“United need to move on, creating a new culture on and off the pitch in which it is visibly obvious everyone is pulling together. Everything Ronaldo has done in pre-season has been calculated to serve his needs above the new coach.”
Ronaldo’s departure is much more complicated than some view it to be. While the 37-year-old has caused a lot of trouble in the squad, there’s no denying he’s one of our best players.
And considering the history and journey of the former Sporting CP youngster, the situation is a bit heartbreaking for supporters. The 37-year-old became one of the greatest players at United.
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To see him leave the club once again will no doubt be heartbreaking. But United do need to look for alternative ways. An unhappy Ronaldo does no good for the squad. So it’d be wise for us to start preparing for a future without him this summer.
