Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opens up on his decision to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought back Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United in 2021, it appeared to be the case of the prodigal son returning to his adopted home to bring an illustrious career full circle.
It appeared to be a match made in heaven as Ronaldo scored on his debut vs Newcastle United and had the crowd buzzing. The veteran appeared to be the final piece of Solskjaer’s Red Devils puzzle but instead, the marriage turned sour quite fast.
The Portuguese legend would outlast the Norwegian at the Theatre of Dreams but would leave for Saudi Arabia soon with his tail tucked between his legs. While his return to Old Trafford did see him score key goals, the positive impact it had on the side was minimal.
Opening up on the decision, Solskjaer has now admitted that while bringing back Ronaldo was good in theory, it ultimately proved to be a faux pas. To call in a lose-lose would be an understatement. This is what he said according to The Atheltic via Fabrizio Romano on X.
“Bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back was a decision that was difficult to turn down and I felt we had to take it, but it turned out wrong.”
Solskjær: “Bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back was a decision that was difficult to turn down and I felt we had to take it, but it turned out wrong”. 🔴🇵🇹
“It felt so right when he signed and the fans felt that at Newcastle game, when Old Trafford was… rocking!”, via The Athletic. pic.twitter.com/9VRK2egnmJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 20, 2023
Solskjaer is right in saying that Manchester United could have done without bringing in Ronaldo, given his cult of personality and what they were trying to achieve at that moment in time. While his ability as a footballer is unquestionable, Ronaldo’s ability to mentor young talent or take a backseat in order for a team to flourish is debatable.
The Norwegian tactician should also take some blame for the same as he too appears to have gone the way of romanticism rather than be pragmatic. It is easy to say now that the deal was a mistake when he did nothing to prevent it back then.
Ronaldo’s return happened on Solskjaer’s watch and it is rather unbecoming of the Red Devils legend to appear to throw the Portuguese star under the bus. Hindsight is worth its weight in gold in football and it is fair to say that few at Old Trafford possess it.
