YOU’VE ALL GOT IT RON
Cristiano the problem is rubbish ... United need a winner like him
Ross Heppenstall
and David Lynch
MIKAEL SILVESTRE says it’s “absolute rubbish” that Cristiano Ronaldo is to blame for Manchester United’s woes this season.
Ronaldo, 36, made a sensational return to Old Trafford in August after signing from Juventus for £18million plus add-ons.
Yet they have largely struggled for consistency this term and former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally paid the price for it.
The wisdom of bringing back Ronaldo has been queried in some quarters, but Silvestre said: “This comment about him being a problem is absolute rubbish.
“Look at the ratio of goals scored and the chances created since the start of the season. He wants to help, wants to win trophies.
“He didn’t come to United to relax preretirement, it’s an even a bigger challenge than what he faced at previous clubs.”
Ronaldo once again made a hasty exit at the final whistle of their 1-1 draw with
Newcastle last week, and questions remain over his lack of chemistry with team-mates, notably Mason Greenwood.
Struggle
Former United defender and current TV pundit Gary Neville also hinted at a leadership struggle between Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire.
Silvestre added: “Ronaldo left United after winning the Ballon d’or, winning the
Premier League and being a top player. He knew there would be questions asked of him and what he can bring, but he’s a leader.
“He doesn’t wear the armband, but he shows the way and everything has been positive in what he’s done.”
Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot is determined to help provide a more solid platform at the back as United adapt to life under Ralf Rangnick.
Despite remaining unbeaten in the German’s first five league games, the Red Devils have shown defensive frailty.
Dalot said: “The first way to attack is to have a good defence.
“Every time we are closer to not conceding we are closer to winning games because we always have chances to score.
“We have fantastic players up front who can give us opportunities to score.
We want to give them that energy to have a solid defence and keep the goals out.”
Rangnick’s first weeks in charge have been spent trying to impose his highpressing style on a team that played largely on the counter under Solskjaer.
Intense
Dalot added: “He wants us to be physical and intense. It’s typical from Germany, I can say this. It fits the players we have and mentality we have.
“He has his own way of communicating with the players. He likes to give us messages and keep us updated for every type of thinking that he has.
“He is demanding from us and his staff so it’s been a good way to start and know his experiences.
“We always have the opportunity to give a good image and performance.
“We want to the right direction to have this energy every game. We know we have the quality and need to give a little extra.”