Paul Merson believes the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s downfall, suggesting the Portuguese is unfit for Manchester United.
After a flying start to the season, Manchester United have tumbled hard into a downward spiral, leading to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s eventual dismissal from his post. The sacking was attributed to recent results, as the club have recorded just a single victory in their last seven games in the Premier League.
Disappointing defeats at home to Liverpool and Manchester City prompted experts to ask questions of Solskjaer’s ideas for the club, while the loss at Watford proved to be the final straw.
Among the criticism received by most Manchester United players, Cristiano Ronaldo has been on the forefront. Many believe the striker does not fit the club’s system and probably led to Solskjaer’s downfall.
The suggestions are that Ronaldo’s return was a mistake after many promising stars were rendered to prolonged spells on the bench. Big summer arrival Jadon Sancho has faced difficulties since joining from Borussia Dortmund, while Donny van de Beek had been cutting a sorry figure while warming the bench.
Paul Merson is of a similar opinion, and the former Arsenal star has suggested Manchester United made a grave mistake by bringing the Portuguese back to the club. As quoted by Spanish publication AS, Merson told the club were on the right track after some good transfers until Ronaldo’s return.
Merson said, “I’m sorry for Solskjaer because it was clear that they had a well-defined plan for the team from the end of last season when they finished second. In the summer, they finally got Sancho, and it was clear what he wanted: Sancho on the one hand, Rashford on the other, Cavani picking up the scraps, Greenwood joining the team. Youth, speed, dribbling and lots of energy!”
“Then, on the last day of the market, Cristiano Ronaldo arrives and that ruined everything. Everything went down the drain. With Ronaldo you can no longer play the counterattack. This season, Bruno has barely touched the ball. Don’t get me wrong, Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, but he is the Achilles heel of this team.”
Whether Ronaldo is the major reason why Solskjaer got the boot from Manchester United remains up for debate. However, with Ronaldo still making a big impact for the team – he scored in the Red Devils’ win over Villarreal on Tuesday – there is no denying that his contributions will hold the key for the club this season.
