Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to make a difference at Manchester United following his return to Old Trafford.
Speaking to Sky Sports News (h/t Manchester Evening News), former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has claimed that Manchester United new signing Cristiano Ronaldo will make a big difference for the club on his return.
Ronaldo made a surprise return to Manchester United, signing from Juventus after it seemed like he was headed to cross-town rivals City. An icon at Old Trafford, the 36-year-old Portuguese spent six years at the club between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals and winning multiple honours.
After successful stints at Real Madrid and, to an extent, Juventus, Ronaldo returns ‘home’ and Carragher has backed the talismanic forward to make an impact at Manchester United.
“Of course, he’ll be a big example to everyone in that dressing room, they will be buzzing to see Cristiano train, his good habits to still be performing at that level at 36, a two-year contract with another year on top,” Carragher said.
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The Q&A you've all been waiting for: over to you, @Cristiano…#MUFC | #RonaldoReturns
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2021
“You’re talking about a player who could be playing till he’s 39, and that show’s what nick he’s in. Obviously, his record speaks for itself, but it won’t just be for the younger players in terms of Mason Greenwood as an example. Cristiano Ronaldo will pose an example to every footballer.”
“He’s an absolute superstar. He was when he was here initially, but I think when he went to Real Madrid, it went to another level then,” Carragher continued. “Now he’s talked about, and rightly so, as one of the greatest players of all time. Whether he can take Man Utd to the title remains to be seen.
“Forget the name, the age; we’re talking about the guy who was the Serie A top goalscorer, so that’s what Manchester United are signing. You’d think it would make a huge difference to them with the signings in other areas as well, so I think it’s about time United are fighting to bring that title back to Old Trafford.”
Apart from the former Liverpool defender, a current Reds’ star, Andrew Robertson has also reacted to the signing of Ronaldo. The Scotsman admits that while it is great to have a quality player like the 36-year-old in the Premier League, he is not going to be worried too much about facing him.
“I’m not too worried about him until we have to face them because I’ve played against him before and he’s a fantastic player. He’s someone who needs your full attention, but Man United have got world-class players all over the pitch and they’ve just added to that. But it’s great to have top players in the Premier League and he’s added to that list,” the Liverpool left-back said.
