Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher gave contrasting opinions about Cristiano Ronaldo amid an ongoing debate that has dragged on all season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been a divisive figure since returning to Manchester United at the start of the season. The Portuguese international has been prolific, but the dip in performance at Old Trafford has caused a lot of speculation.
In the last few months, speculation has been rife over Ronaldo’s long-term future at Manchester United. Some reports suggested he was prepared to stay put at Manchester United next season even if the Red Devils do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
But new claims this week have pointed towards potential new manager Erik ten Hag not being keen on having the 37-year-old in his squad. Whatever may be the outcome of his future, Ronaldo continues to perform decisively on the pitch, with his hat-trick against Norwich City proof of his qualities.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher have been at loggerheads all season regarding their opinion on Ronaldo. The two former players have clashed again with contrasting thoughts on the Portuguese superstar.
As quoted by Daily Mirror, Keane insisted Ronaldo was a panic buy and not good enough. Meanwhile, Carragher suggested he remains a legendary figure at the club, although he wanted the Manchester United striker to exert leadership qualities on the pitch.
Keane said, “Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? I still think it was worth the gamble. The bigger picture, he’s not a great signing because of his age and what have you.”
“I still think he can bring something to the party, and I think he has. What’s gone on around him hasn’t been good enough. I think he could have shown more leadership skills, he’s been left out and hasn’t played all the games, but he’s still showed moments. The Tottenham game, some of the European games, it was worth the gamble. It was a panic, it was a panic.”
Carragher seems to agree that Ronaldo has not made much difference but insisted the striker is a legendary figure at Manchester United. The Liverpool icon did suggest the Portuguese show leadership qualities on the pitch to rally his team around.
Carragher said, “I’ve been disappointed with him this season, not with the goals, but it hasn’t gone well for United, and I’d like him to be more of a leader. I’m not bothered if he gets the odd goal – his goal record is amazing – it’s a legendary figure.”
“I just think sometimes, I look back at the Everton game, he was throwing his arm up at players, kicking the ball out at times, we all get frustrated, but I’d love to see him be that guy who lifts the younger players a little bit. I just think that’s been lacking.”
Ronaldo suffered a personal tragedy with the loss of his newborn son on Monday. Hence, the striker will be missing from the action when Manchester United travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a midweek clash. Fans will be hoping Ronaldo returns to action for Manchester United’s weekend clash with Arsenal, which will be important in the context of the top-four race.
