Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, likening him to basketball legend Michael Jordan after the Atalanta game.
Speaking after Manchester United drew 2-2 against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League, as quoted by Sky Sports, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed the impact of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, comparing him to NBA great Michael Jordan.
As has been the case more often than not this season, Ronaldo bailed Manchester United out from a difficult spot again on Tuesday. After Atalanta had taken the lead in the first period through Josip Ilicic, the Portuguese international fired the Red Devils back on level terms with a fine effort in stoppage time of the first period.
The Serie A outfit reclaimed their advantage in the second period through Duvan Zapata. Just when it looked like United were set to return without any points from their trip to the Gewiss Stadium, Ronaldo struck a tremendous volley in stoppage time of the second period to salvage a draw for his team.
The 36-year-old has also scored in comeback victories at home against Villarreal and Atalanta in the Champions League. And even though it gives a sense of him papering over the cracks in the team, there is no denying the impact he has had since returning to the club in the summer, with Solskjaer hailing the Portuguese legend.
94:13 winner vs. Villarreal
80:49 winner vs. Atalanta
90:55 equalizer vs. AtalantaRonaldo is carrying Manchester United through the Champions League group stage ? pic.twitter.com/kbJBB8rdgd
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 3, 2021
“We all have our roles and responsibilities,” Solskjaer told reporters. “Of course, Cristiano is a leader in the group, but that’s what he does, he scores goals. We’re not happy conceding two goals – but he does provide those moments, and I’m sure the Chicago Bulls didn’t mind having Michael Jordan either.”
“Sometimes teams have the players they have and that’s why they are Manchester United, that’s why they are champions at the Chicago Bulls. You just come up with those moments. For me, Cristiano is getting better and better for us. He’s feeling better. You know he’s not had a proper pre-season, now he is getting better and better and he’s feeling up to speed now,” he added.
Tuesday’s brace on his return to Italy means Ronaldo has now scored five goals in just four Champions League matches this term. His overall tally reads nine goals and one assist from 12 games across all competitions. While there have been critics and detractors in plenty, the veteran forward continues to silence them with game-changing displays week after week.
