There’s no hiding place now Ron’s back home
Ole: United players must match standards
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S stunning Manchester United return means there is now no hiding place for the rest of the squad, according to boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Ronaldo’s dedication, fierce work ethic and the relentless demands will ensure standards are not allowed to drop.
When Solskjaer was playing, that task fell to former skipper Roy Keane.
He’d let players know in no uncertain terms if they fell short of the standards expected at United.
Ronaldo will take up that role now, on the pitch, the training ground and in the dressing-room.
Solskjaer said: “When I walked into the dressingthat room here when I played, if Roy saw me dip out of a tackle or not make the run, you were told.
“I ended up one of those who told players I played with. That’s how it should be here.
“You should have some experienced leaders there that can put the demands down. It wasn’t always Sir Alex Ferguson and it can’t always be me or the coaches.
“The young boys in this group have got some unbelievable professionals to learn from. You have Cristiano, one of the best players of all time.
“You have Raphael Varane, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Paul
Pogba, Bruno Fernandes. So many players to learn from, how to deal with ups and downs in careers.
“When you have players like this, there’s no hiding place because you’ll be told. if you don’t do the right thing.
“We’re lucky that we have players like Harry Maguire, who has come in and been an unbelievable captain, as in how he’s pulled everything together and stood tall in hard times.
“We’re now in a position where the experience should be just dripping down to the boys, who have aspirations to be as good as these players we’re talking about.”
Ronaldo’s homecoming has raised the expectation level at United, who host Newcastle today.
Many Old Trafford fans now believe it can be the key unlocks the door to a first Premier League title since 2013.
Solskjaer added: “You add quality players, that gives you a better chance, of course.
“We know we’re still a work in progress, but Cristiano coming in, that gives us another edge. He comes with his winning mentality.
“The pressure is a privilege. At United, you want that pressure. We feel it – but that makes you feel alive.”
Manchester City were in talks to sign the superstar, until United hijacked the proposed deal and re-signed the 36-year-old.
But when asked how frightening the prospect was of Ronaldo joining Pep Guardiola at City, Solskjaer said: “I don’t think there was any prospect of that.”