There’s Ron man who is capable of taking Reds to next level
IT’S a question that must be keeping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer awake at night.
How do Manchester United bridge the gap?
Manchester City will romp the Premier League as Liverpool did 12 months ago, with the competition disappearing behind them into the distance faster than my cash at Cheltenham.
“The odd cup competition can hide the fact you’re struggling a little bit,” said the Norwegian ahead of a successful trip to Milan.
At the level where Solskjaer operates, he needs top-of-the-bill stars – only they are in short supply.
Where in world football can he find such a man?
One who is able to galvanise, turn tight matches in his favour, supply stardust and act as a role model for an aspiring dressing room.
Cristiano Ronaldo, anyone? He’s only got one year left on his contract and, well, you know – he’s Cristiano Ronaldo, isn’t he?
Handed the Ballon d’or four times, a serial collector of trophies and, more importantly, a winner dedicated to himself and, by extension, the club he plays for.
It wouldn’t be a new policy at a club that has given a home to thirtysomethings Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) and Edinson Cavani in the past few years.
The Uruguayan hasn’t delivered in terms of goals, but he sets an example of what it takes to succeed.
And even though the
Swede’s ego still thinks he’s doing the club a favour by him allowing them to showcase his talents, Ibrahimovic remains capable of turning the odd match in Serie A for AC Milan. But Ronaldo’s return would be on another level to those two.
For the man to remain at the very top of his sport for so long demonstrates incredible drive, passion and ability.
And yes, he clearly has a huge sense of self-worth. But, more importantly, he has the right mindset.
Even talents such as Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba would be in awe if Ronaldo swaggered back in. He would command respect and, even at the age of 36, has enough about him to decide games of football.
In fact, the way in which Ronaldo has attacked Juventus – wanting to play in every single game possible – suggests the biggest issue Solskjaer would have is to keep him happy when he isn’t featuring.
And, yes, he’s not going to turn on the afterburners and escape defenders the way he once did.
But Manchester United have run into problems this season on their own turf, when teams naturally sit back.
Ronaldo still has such a quick brain and intelligence, it would only take one example of either to swing a tight match in Solskjaer’s favour.
According to their boss, they are ‘better off by 12 points.’ But still miles behind the title-winners elect.
Bringing back Ronaldo, even at this age, makes sense.
Manchester United need to regain that cutting edge.
It must be an option worth pursuing.