The Ronaldo Dilemma
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever to touch a football, without question. The romantic reunion with Manchester United was meant to take them to the next level and help them challenge for major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. However, despite Ronaldo scoring 24 goals in all competitions, United regressed to sixth place in the league and was knocked out in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired before the halfway point, and it was one of the most negative United seasons in their history.
Individually, Ronaldo did well, but some have argued that it was to the detriment of his teammates and that he limited the squad’s potential. Now that reports have emerged that the Portuguese international is looking to leave in search of Champions League football, would it be wise for United to let him leave? Is it wise for Ronaldo to try and force a move somewhere else? And perhaps most importantly, does he have any real suitors?
Ronaldo’s return to United was filled with ups and downs
While Ronaldo’s perceived negative impact on the squad was often blown out of proportion by some in the media, his fit with the team is one of United’s many problems new manager Erik Ten Hag must address. Ronaldo is a central striker at this stage in his career, but he still likes to move wide and drop deep to get the ball, especially when he has not been provided with many chances during a game. The 37-year-old can create something out of nothing, but at his age, it is not an efficient way to go about his business on the pitch, and it cramps the space for United’s creators such as Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford.
If Ten Hag can get Ronaldo to buy into a role where his world-class finishing is utilized as a target man and penalty box poacher, the whole team could succeed, and Ronaldo would still be the focal point of the attack. In addition, his link play in and around the box is strong, a skill that he can use without dropping 40 yards from goal and near the touchline just because he has not received the ball recently. However, getting Ronaldo to buy into this idea is easier said than done, as his accomplishments have mostly earned him the right to do what he wants on the pitch.
Despite the fit being a bit clunky at times last season, Ronaldo still did produce goals in big moments, which is what United needs. I don't believe it would be smart for them to let Ronaldo leave, as his high wages and age would mean the transfer fee would be minimal. United also has many other problems to address, so finding a striker who would fit under the budget, be ready to play, and suit the system is just about impossible. Ultimately, Ronaldo and United want to improve upon the poor results from last season, and they could do so together. In fact, it is probably best for both parties if he stays on the team and Ten Hag can provide some more tactical detail to get the offense purring.
Bolstering the midfield with more creative options would also benefit Ronaldo and the other attacking options, as he would perhaps not feel as much pressure to drop deep and force the issue. United’s offense was far too stagnant last season, even with creative wizards like Sancho, Rashford, and Fernandes. They all struggled for form, perhaps because they weren't used to playing with a player like Ronaldo, who always demands the ball. If United can get more drive and imagination from their midfield, and Ronaldo can play more as a traditional number nine, he and United could flourish symbiotically.
If the Ronaldo of five years ago had requested a transfer, every major club in the world would be at least attempting to sign him. However, the 2022 version, which is still prolific, is not quite as wanted by Europe’s elite. Bayern, Chelsea, and Napoli have been teams listed as possible destinations. However, a La Liga return seems unlikely, PSG has enough expensive forwards, and no one else can afford or accommodate him. I don’t believe it would be good business by any of Bayern, Chelsea, or Napoli to bring in Ronaldo.
Despite his greatness, Ronaldo may not actually have many suitors
Sure, Todd Boehly would love to mark the beginning of a new era at Stamford Bridge with a marquee signing, but does he really fit Tuchel’s system? Bayern Munich may be losing their superstar aging forward Robert Lewandowski, but replacing him with a more expensive, older, not currently as good version does not seem like the kind of savvy business they normally do. For Napoli, such a move would be a bit out of their comfort zone, and they already have a rising star at striker in 23-year-old Victor Osimhen. Ronaldo would surely halt his development or maybe even force him out the door.
On the surface, a Ronaldo exit seems like a good idea for both parties. However, with a little more buy-in from him, some strong coaching from Erik Ten Hag, and a good look at the market for possible replacements and Ronaldo himself, the situation can be fixed. No matter what happens, Ronaldo is a Manchester United legend. Still, if he can help turn them around in one of the darkest times in the club’s history, his legacy would only become more impressive. The best solution to “The Ronaldo Dilemma” is for United and Cristiano himself to stand pat and grow together because they can still achieve great things, and frankly, there are no other good options.