Aheed Abrar
Mikael Silvestre urges Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to play Cristiano Ronaldo more often
Former Manchester United ace Mikael Silvestre has urged the club to play Cristiano Ronaldo more often than they have this season. The ex-Red Devil feels the Portugal international is still pivotal for the team.
The 37-year-old has found himself on the peripheries at Old Trafford since the arrival of Erik ten Hag. Th Dutch manager has preferred other options ahead of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the centre-forward position.
However, speaking to bettingexpert (h/t Metro), Silvestre, who played alongside Ronaldo at United, believes the club need a top striker like the 37-year-old. And the former defender advises giving the Portuguese star more game time.
“I think Cristiano can add to the team. Whether it’s Premier League, Europa League, or when the cups start. When you score 20-plus goals from one season to another. He hasn’t aged five years.”
“He might be less mobile than others, than Marcus Rashford for example, but top clubs need top strikers. It’s important that he plays as much as possible and that he’s available for the team.”
The former Juventus star made his way back to Manchester last summer, having left for Real Madrid in 2009. And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner did not disappoint with his performances in the previous campaign, finishing as our leading goalscorer in all competitions.
Ronaldo was one of a handful of United stars that lived up to expectations last season. Unfortunately, the Red Devils missed out on a top-four berth. And in the recent transfer, the 37-year-old was linked with an exit from the Old Trafford side.
However, he could still leave in January. The Portugal international has not been the first choice under Ten Hag. He has been limited to a substitute role under the Dutch manager.
In the current campaign, Ronaldo has started just three Premier League games for the Manchester-based club. And his form in front of goal has been underwhelming as well.
Fortunately, Marcus Rashford has seemingly found his feet with the arrival of Ten Hag. The 25-year-old has been our talisman this season, scoring in big games.
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Whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner should play more for United should be the gaffer’s call. Thus, if the Portuguese legend is not in his plans, then so be it.
