Paul Merson sent a stark warning to incoming coach Erik ten Hag to get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old made what was supposed to be a glorious return to the Premier League with his club Manchester United in the summer after 12 title-packed years with Real Madrid and Juventus.
Ronaldo continued to deliver the goods, but that was not enough as Manchester United struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the first half of the season and struggled under interim coach Ralf Rangnick in the second half of the season ending. In a few weeks.
Many have been puzzled between Ronaldo’s goal-scoring style and his actual contribution to the team. Former Arsenal player Merson, who now works as a football media personality, has pitched his tent with fans believing Ronaldo is doing nothing for the team.
He also gave some advice to Ten Hag, who will resume his new duties in the summer and is the star of Ajax Amsterdam. Merson, writing in his column for the British tabloid Daily StarHe claims that Ronaldo must have been one of the first players sent off by the Dutchman because he made the other players around him worse.
In his column, Merson wrote: “Eric ten Hag must bite the bullet and get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo or he will waste his first year at Manchester United.” Daily Star. “If you’re going to bring in a manager who’s going to be there for the next three or four years, you can’t waste one on a striker who isn’t. Ronaldo has a good season. But everyone else at the club has been terrible.
“Why do you think so?
“Some players bring out the best in those around them. Some players make them worse. That’s what Ronaldo did. Look what Karim Benzema is doing for Real Madrid. He scored 43 goals this season. I don’t remember him doing that when Ronaldo was there.
“Look at the players Ronaldo is playing with now at United. He didn’t bring out the best in any of them. He could have scored a hat-trick against Brighton and it wouldn’t make any difference. United don’t win the league with him in the team. So they have to move on.
“And when he leaves, I am intrigued to see what his teammates are saying. Every other player at the club has failed miserably this season.”
If Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford this summer – an accident highly unlikely – United could replace five-time Ballon d’Or winner Victor Osimhen of Napoli as reports claim the Nigerian striker has moved up their list of favorites.
Italian port La Republica Reported that the Red Devils are now in the lead to sign the Napoli striker for 90 million euros, Bit will face strong competition from Newcastle United, who are ready to go crazy for his signature.
