Diogo Dalot feels Manchester United are a better team with Cristiano Ronaldo in it
Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot feels the team have performed better when Cristiano Ronaldo has been involved. The defender backs his Portuguese compatriot to make a difference on the pitch.
After refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was dropped from the squad that travelled to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
Ronaldo made it back into the starting lineup against the Moldovan outfit at Old Trafford. And speaking to Sky Sports (h/t The Daily Mail), Dalot was delighted to see the 37-year-old back to his scoring ways.
“We are very happy to have Cristiano, yesterday he scored a goal, this is what he has been doing for 20 years now and every time he is on the pitch and every time he is helping us, we are a better team. We are just happy that he is here.”
Under Erik ten Hag, the right-back has been one of our most important players. The 23-year-old has started every game for the Red Devils this season and has won most fans over with his performances.
Unfortunately, on the other hand, the 2022/23 campaign has not been Ronaldo’s best. The Portugues legend has struggled to get into the starting lineup of the Dutch manager on most occasions in the Premier League.
Ten Hag has preferred Marcus Rashford, or Anthony Martial when he has been available, ahead of the 37-year-old in the centre-forward position. The 24-year-old has pressed from the front and the Dutch manager has evidently been able to put the impetus on applying constant pressure on the pitch.
While some supporters feel the United academy graduate has not been clinical enough, the Old Trafford side have created a lot of chances. And there is no guarantee that we would perform the same with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the starting XI.
Against Sheriff, Ronaldo had a lot of opportunities to score. Fortunately, in the end, he managed to find the back of the net. However, it was only the 37-year-old’s third goal of the campaign. The Portuguese does not appear to have his shooting boots on this season.
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Thus, while it is encouraging to see the number seven get on the scoresheet, fans need to put faith in the decisions Ten Hag is making. And if that involves Ronaldo being on the bench, then so be it.
