Cristiano Ronaldo’s comeback to the Premier League in 2021 did not go as expected.
Under Ole Gunner Solskjaer, Manchester United had just finished in second place, and following a respectable summer of new additions, there was a growing belief that they could contend for the championship.
Along with Ronaldo, Raphael Varane joined after a successful stint in Real Madrid, and Jadon Sancho was recruited from Borussia Dortmund.
While Ronaldo had a splendid season individually, United ended the season in sixth with their lowest-ever point tally.
Solskjaer was sacked midseason after damaging defeats to Watford, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Raphael Rangnick was appointed on an interim basis, but he, too, couldn’t do anything to stem the rot.
Ronaldo’s impact on dressing room
It has always been up to debate why a team that was performing so well in the 2020/2021 season couldn’t replicate such performances, especially with the arrival of a serial winner and proven goalscorer like Ronaldo.
As the Athletic reports, the squad might have been overwhelmed by Ronaldo’s presence in the dressing room.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is a known perfectionist. From his gym routines to his high desire to win constantly, it looks like this had a negative impact on the rest of the squad. In his final interview with Piers Morgan as a United player, he openly condemned the club’s facilities.
Even more interestingly, video analysts observed that there was a specific player who always tried to pass to Ronaldo to receive praise. His form dipped with Ronaldo’s presence at the club given as a part reason. The player is not mentioned.
Among the players who lost their form include Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire.
Rojo slams Ole Gunnar
It was earlier reported that former Manchester United defender, Marcos Rojo has launched a scathing attack on his former manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and embattled club captain, Harry Maguire.
Rojo plied his professional trade with the Red Devils between 2014 and 2021 but was rarely used during his time at Old Trafford.
In a no-holds-barred interview, the combative centre-back revealed Solskjaer had informed him that Maguire had to play every week despite the high-profile errors he committed.