Wayne Rooney was delighted at the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United and believes the Portuguese will tilt the title racec towards Old Trafford.
Manchester United kept the best news for last as they announced a late but surprising return of Cristiano Ronaldo. In terms of fan excitement, the move eclipses that of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, but most importantly, makes the club a real challenger for honours this season.
There have been doubts cast over the 36-year-old’s capabilities recently and if he could still perform in a tough league like the Premier League. However, his goalscoring records for more than a decade would be enough to answer critics. The Portuguese brings immense quality in attack for Manchester United, probably making them real contenders.
After his exploits during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, Ronaldo enjoys a legendary status at Old Trafford, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. Since his departure to Real Madrid, Manchester United have enjoyed less success, last winning the league during the 2012/13 season when Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie starred for the side in the legendary manager’s last ever season.
Club legend Wayne Rooney has reflected on Ronaldo’s return. The Derby manager recently predicted the Portuguese wouldn’t sign for rivals Manchester City and now has claimed the striker could help Manchester United win the Premier League title this season.
? “Ronaldo is still one of the best.”
? “Utd are finally ready to challenge for the title, I really feel they have to!”
? “Ronaldo is going to have big moments & he’ll score loads of goals.”@WayneRooney is tipping an #MUFC title charge with CR7 in the team! pic.twitter.com/rVv869ISLS
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 8, 2021
Speaking to Talksport, Rooney expressed his delight at the signing while speaking plenty about Ronaldo and the kind of impact he would have on the team. He said, “An enormous one, I think he’s still one of the best players in the world. I think we’ve seen in the game against Ireland that’s what he does, last couple of minutes, he scores two goals, two great headers, so he can have a massive impact on this league.
“I think United are finally ready to go and challenge for the title, and I really feel they have to this year. [Ronaldo’s] going to be a big player, I think he’ll have very big moments in the season, and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals.”
Furthermore, Rooney was asked what impact Ronaldo could have in the team and on Manchester United teammates. The former forward had a glowing prediction on how things could transpire.
Rooney continued, “I think his mentality will rub off on the younger players especially, so I think it’s great timing. I think Cristiano will know himself it’s not going to be as simple or as straightforward as it was in Spain or in Italy for him. It’s a physical league, he knows, he’s played in it, so I’m sure he’s prepared, and he’s ready to go and score goals again for Manchester United.”