At the age of 37, Cristiano Ronaldo was backed to alter his aims at Manchester United next season, from focusing on finding the net to helping to raise the next generation.
His contributions to the team last season cannot be doubted but time waits for no man, including the Portugal captain. His 24-goal haul as a veteran defies logic at whatever level a striker plays at, let alone on the Premier League stage.
But his homecoming has clearly been far from straightforward. Some sections of supporters, while hailing his goal-getting abilities, have argued that his presence has hampered the progression of young players within the squad.
However, in June, he promised to advise and encourage them when asked. He also said: “You have to give them (youngsters) time, give them the opportunity, and let them grow in a normal way without pressure, but I think we should give opportunities to the young generation.”
And now he could directly help these emerging talents in a way that is unexpected. Ronaldo's wish to leave United may provide these youngsters with the very opportunity he preached about.
There's no doubting that his departure would be a big loss, but it may open a route to the first team for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho. The teenager has been tipped to have a great career after being named as the Under-18s' Player of the Season.
The youngster was handed his first two senior outings last term and also netted twice in the FA Youth Cup final win in May. Ronaldo would surely be replaced by another incoming striker but whoever that may be, he won't be 'undroppable' like CR7.
And with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial far from peak form, it means Garnacho is more likely to get more minutes. Furthermore, the likes of Jadon Sancho and Rashford may be freed from Ronaldo's shadow should he leave.
These are players who grew up watching him on TV and, naturally, his aura will have impacted them both. They may feel more relaxed away from his glare, away from the 'we must not upset Ronaldo' enigma.
This also applies to the likes of Hannibal Mejbri and Anthony Elanga, who would have certainly learned a lot from the striker, but now have their own careers to define.
hinceimouz
2
At present no one is in the field to replace Ronald At 37 he is top scorer for the club For the failure of other players why he should be blamed Till this time all were blaming the coaches one by one for the poor performance of the club Now it is shifted to the player who scored 24 goals The problem lies with the management who does not have any plan and vision This time also they will shift the blame on the shoulder of Coach and escape by sacking the Coach Until and unless the management do what is expected by a prudent one this game will go on and the club will vanish in the air
Allyson4268
0
I think Ronaldo should leave to give young player room to develop there game nd if he leave now it will give Eric good start radar than leave later.
DAT_BOI_JOVAN
7
Ounce a fighter is ever a fighter 🔥
Zazinpru
2
sub: fred, rashford, vande beek
Simon360
0
go and tie his leg!
His legs are tied already bro
Yinkus3
0
He must play Europa with us whether he likes it or not. Mr cr7 you are going no where
[image]
go and tie his leg!
malone95
3
EUROPA IS FINE MY DEAR CR7 GOAT.ITS BETTER THAN LEAGUE CUP
Simon360
3
He must play Europa with us whether he likes it or not. Mr cr7 you are going no where
Alfred-90G
1
Don't be surprised if you see Christian Ronaldo in Celtic Jersey this season.