How the Europa League could change the narrative around the Portuguese legend
The competition Cristiano Ronaldo was so desperate to avoid, could now provide the springboard he craves. The Europa League tie with Real Sociedad on Thursday could see the Portuguese forward start for the first time since Manchester United’s 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Brentford.
He didn’t want to be here at this point – and even late in the transfer window it was not certain where Ronaldo would be playing his football this season.
He wanted to continue playing in the Champions League to further embellish his record in club football’s sternest test. United could not provide that – and the idea of hanging around to see if they could claw their way back into it this season did not appeal.
What Ronaldo did not bank on was the lack of a market for a 37-year-old earning in excess of £500,000-a-week and seemingly out of step with the modern, high-pressing game favoured by elite clubs.
And so, in a week when he has had to watch on as Europe’s finest began their Champions League journeys, he will step out at Old Trafford in what will feel like a parallel universe. Continental competition – just without the unmistakable anthem that has been the soundtrack to so many of his greatest achievements.
The question now is – with the window closed and his fate sealed until January at the earliest – what does the future hold for Ronaldo?
Change of narrative
There has been a notable change in his body language since he furiously marched off the pitch at Brentford, gesticulating after turning away from the travelling supporters and appearing to not even acknowledge Erik ten Hag on the touchline.
He has since put his immense social media following to good use with messages of positivity about United and their recent upturn in form.
There was a “very special thank you” to supporters after the 3-1 win against Arsenal.
Later her posted a picture of himself signing autographs along with the message #alwaystogether.
That’s the beauty of having 478million followers on Instagram – you have the power to write your own narrative, which makes it all the more telling that he chose not to clarify his position earlier in the summer when news emerged of his desire to leave.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesOn the pitch
On Sunday, he was among the first to his feet to celebrate Antony’s debut goal – but more notable were his actions when coming on as a substitute just before the hour.
There he was, chasing down Arsenal shirts in deep positions, trying to force errors and jostle them out of possession.
Ever since Ten Hag’s arrival, the debate has been whether Ronaldo can press and be part of the Dutchman’s high-tempo system. Here was evidence that he is prepared to try.
Faith
Ten Hag has insisted all along that great players adapt – and has been convinced Ronaldo can operate at the point of his attack.
Ahead of Sociedad, he was abrupt when questioned as to whether Ronaldo could be a regular fixture in United’s starting XI – even at his age.
“Of course,” was the simple reply.
Getty ImagesFitness
But United’s manager will need to prove that.
He insisted on Wednesday that Ronaldo had been fit enough to start since that game against Brentford on August 13. Yet he is still waiting to be named on the team sheet – even in the absence of the injured Anthony Martial.
Instead Marcus Rashford has been deployed in his less-favoured role through the middle, where his energy levels – and goals – have been key to the turnaround in the United’s form with four straight wins.