Paul Parker labels Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo a “PR tool” ahead of Sheriff Tiraspol clash
Manchester United icon Paul Parker has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo a “PR tool” ahead of the Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol. The Red Devils take on the Moldovan outfit on Thursday (27 October) at Old Trafford.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was suspended for United’s previous fixture against Chelsea in the Premier League. The management had taken the decision after the 37-year-old was seen walking down the tunnel before the full-time whistle against Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets (h/t Express), the former defender feels Ronaldo should leave the club. He feels the Portugal international was signed as a PR stunt, which has now lost its relevance.
“The best solution is to get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Now he is nothing more than a PR tool which isn’t working. The club brought him in because of the fact that he would make money for the PR machine, but now the PR machine is broken. The real fans will not buy his shirt, because they are seeing him as a huge problem for the club.”
The former Real Madrid star rejoined the Red Devils last year, joining from Juventus. And the 37-year-old lived up to fans’ expectations last season, ending as the leading goalscorer in all competitions.
Unfortunately, the forward has fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag. And this has led to fans sensing frustration from the legendary number seven when he has featured for the side.
The Dutch manager seemingly wants to play without Ronaldo in the starting lineup. And the results have overall been in our favour in the current campaign.
Even when the Portugal international has been given starts, which have mainly come in the Europa League, he has failed to produce much.
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Ronaldo served his purpose last season and fans were able to once again rejoice in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wearing a red shirt. However, the nostalgia for the past has faded in the current campaign.
United currently sit second in their Europa League group stage table and finishing first should be a priority. It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag opts to play the Portuguese against Sheriff just to get the media off the club’s back.