Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchinson has criticized Manchester United for signing Cristiano Ronaldo last summer. He felt the money would have been better spent had the Red Devils signed a midfielder like Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham instead.
Ronaldo made a sensational return to Old Trafford last summer, joining from Juventus. Although the Portuguese star has scored 14 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions this season, Manchester United have been inconsistent, especially in the Premier League. Ronaldo and co., who lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Monday, are currently seventh in the standings.
Speaking on ESPN FC's Extra Time, Hutchinson said Manchester United should have signed someone like Rice or Bellingham instead of Ronaldo. He explained:
"I would have thought that money would have been better off spent signing someone like Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham. I think those are the guys that would improve Man United's midfield. I don't think it's a mistake signing Ronaldo, because without him they wouldn't even be in the last-16 of the Champions League."
Hutchinson added:
"[Rice] would [be a lot more money] but you're going to get Declan Rice for eight years, 10 years. What are you going to get out of Ronaldo? You're going to get one season, are his legs still going to be there next season? He can still do a job, Ronaldo, but I think when you look at that engine room, people like Bellingham and Declan Rice, they're going to be the future superstars."
Declan Rice has been phenomenal for West Ham United over the last couple of seasons. He currently leads David Moyes' team, who are flying high in the Premier League. The England midfielder has scored three goals and registered four assists in 24 games across all competitions for the Hammers this season.
Jude Bellingham is also producing top-class performances at Borussia Dortmund. The young English teenager has grabbed the spotlight for his overall development and is eyed by several English clubs at the moment. Bellingham has two goals and five assists against his name in 15 Bundesliga games this season.
Manchester United off to a rocky start under new boss Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick took over at Manchester United in December. Since then, the German boss has overseen seven games for the Red Devils. He has won three, drawn three and lost one.
What has made his record even more disappointing is that nine of Manchester United's opponents have been top-six rivals. That means more was expected of Rangnick's team in the recent run of matches.
Manchester United lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last match at Old Trafford. Their next assignment is against Aston Villa on January 11 in the FA Cup.
Mawblei
0
Ronaldo Ronaldo Ronaldo. why always about him. why you didn't talk about Messi with one goal in farmers league?
so Ronaldo have don't his job, he didn't scores in his last two games. the problem should not be problem. the team as a whole.
vosabikls
0
Cr7 big boy every time people tried to looked on you
Lingardinho_GOAT
2
What money We brought him for £13 million + 9 million add ons Rice is 100 mill and Bellingham is also around 100 mill
BiongMajak
3
Ronaldo Ronaldo Ronaldo. why always about him. why you didn't talk about Messi with one goal in farmers league?
it's about him coz the team is not doing great. Messi on the other hand is poor but the team is holding up in the league.
Mawblei
1
Ronaldo Ronaldo Ronaldo. why always about him. why you didn't talk about Messi with one goal in farmers league?
boyaclmnu
0
Nonsense just shut up
U are very mad
water0147
0
are you supporting cr7 or club united?
i support united, and it is going on 35 years. ronaldo is a goal poacher, everyone knows that so if you want him to deliver, play to his strength and if not sell him off. for the records i am not a fan of this messi ronaldo debate. as a matter of fact i see tem bothaas every other player. i just acknowledge that they have done exceptional things in football. That is all
water0147
0
Fool You are an enemy of Manchester United
it takes one fool to know another. i have been a united supporter over 35 years now. please tell me when you started following united. what do you even know about football. am sure you are one of the fans that just comes and says rubbish.
Moscowlee
0
Bellingham that turned his back on United... or have you forgotten??
CollinsWood
1
this useless English pundits talks too much and how many better coaches has England produce or which of them has won a major trophy as a coach before
yonkmoprsz
1
Don if you know better, why don't you find a club? Utd don't need overrated english players anymore.
KpFKing
1
All football starts new year from criticizing great player that fed them up. Without Ronaldo, All football must be bankrupt. This is a disgrace.
PTLEY7
1
May be we could have signed Don & Hutchinson😁😁😁😁Those fucking people like to be in headlines just by blaming and criticizing the GOAT CR7…I told you many times before and I’m repeating again here, He is a BRAND and those who can’t get it blames him. CR7 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐
Briankasupe
1
it might be unbelievable, but ronaldo works hard. jones surprised me to the teeth. de gea is our best performer by a long shot. bruno is beginning to look like he is doing too much. greenwood is getting more selfish and so on. United's problem is players and not coach
are you supporting cr7 or club united?
ManutdFan83
0
Enough is enough! Why the fu…k everyone one is blaming CR7. He has done his part. The leading scorer in United this year. He has won many games for United this season. He is not to blame. If anyone has to be blamed is the system, the midfield, the wings who just can’t feed him the way he is used to.
gentlesoulnw
0
Nonsense just shut up
Vezonic22
4
Ronaldo was only signed to stop him going to ManCity. Now United should have allowed that deal happened and went for other potential players. There's no where like home but our home is down a dumping ground.
BSalKoju
0
Man united are still contributing for messi😂😂 7th
cimacdklr
1
it might be unbelievable, but ronaldo works hard. jones surprised me to the teeth. de gea is our best performer by a long shot. bruno is beginning to look like he is doing too much. greenwood is getting more selfish and so on. United's problem is players and not coach
Fool You are an enemy of Manchester United
soeemrstyz
0
Yes that's true
water0147
7
it might be unbelievable, but ronaldo works hard. jones surprised me to the teeth. de gea is our best performer by a long shot. bruno is beginning to look like he is doing too much. greenwood is getting more selfish and so on. United's problem is players and not coach