In an extremely well-reasoned article, fellow CanTheyScore contributor James has recently argued that the negatives of re-signing a certain Mr Ronaldo would outweigh the positives. Whilst I agree that this is a move which could have some negative repercussions; on a basic level I believe it is an opportunity too valuable to pass up. Put simply; Manchester United must sign Cristiano Ronaldo if he’s available. Below I will directly address some of the points James has made as well as share my own thoughts on the situation.
First things first, one of the most prevalent sentiments being shared across social media and in United circles is a concern about Ronaldo’s age. The former Red turns thirty in February and many would have you think that this would indicate his immediate decline and de facto end of his career. Logic would dictate that this is far from true. One does not go from arguably the best player in world football to “past it” overnight. For the past ten years Ronaldo has been a supreme athlete and there is little to suggest that this dedication to personal conditioning would relax once he turns thirty. If anything, the Portuguese forward owes his ascent to the top of the game to his complete dedication to self-improvement. If there were ever a player capable of standing the test of time (or adapting his game) in the vein of Giggs, Totti or Maldini it’s Cristiano Ronaldo There are understandable fears over the condition of his knee(s) but if there were any issues there they would be picked up in the standard pre-transfer medical checks. In terms of overall quality a thirty year old Ronaldo will still be among the top players in the world, let alone at Old Trafford.
One of the main discussion points has also been his character. Few can deny that Ronaldo comes with quite the opinion of himself which can often manifest on the pitch with displays of petulance or frustration at decisions made by his team-mates. I completely take James’ point on this and accept that it’s part of the forward’s game that sometimes leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Equally so; his “look at me” goal celebration in last year’s Champions League final upon scoring the far from decisive fourth goal. I make no attempt to justify or explain this type of behaviour but would point out three things. Firstly; very few players climb to the top of world football without a certain degree of arrogance – a belief that they are the best. The petulance and impatience with team-mates is an unfortunate symptom of this belief. Secondly, Ronaldo spent six years at United and his behaviour very seldom resulted in any detriment to the team or club. Thirdly; Real Madrid is rife with a culture that encourages a larger-than-life God-like perception of the individual. It’s understandable that Ronaldo (who had narcissistic tendencies anyway) would embrace this entirely as the main star at the most successful club in the world. Five years later, having achieved everything possible in Madrid, it seems he is ready to move on. Were he merely seeking another pay-day he could surely find greener pastures than Old Trafford. This smacks more of a desire to return home to a club that holds a deep emotional connection for him, and one would expect that the “superstar” behaviour so central to his time at Madrid would be turned down a notch too.
Undoubtedly financing a move for Ronaldo would result in a significant outlay, potentially in the region of the £59million spent for Angel Di Maria this summer. His wages will no doubt make the eyes water too. In short, I don’t see this being a concern. It’s not our money at play here and the club has the financial muscle to secure Ronaldo along with the central defender and central midfielder we need. Of course the club must set a limit of what they can conceivably pay for a player with limited resale value but any price paid is sure to pale in comparison to the money our beloved owners have already taken from the club. As long as the money is being paid in then so be it!
In terms of his arrival hindering the progression of Adnan Januzaj, one need only take a look at the state of our squad and the lack of strength in depth to see that this won’t be an issue. As it stands, we have just two players (Januzaj and Di Maria) that can actually play well as a winger and if we make the return to Europe as expected there will be far more games to play next season. Sheer amount of games and lack of competition on the flanks will see Januzaj get more than his fair share of games. If his ambition is to play through the middle then it is Mata, not Ronaldo that will prove the biggest obstacle in the prodigious attacker’s path to first team football. If anything, the presence of our returning hero will benefit Januzaj. A chance to learn from a player who has won it all and reached the very pinnacle of the game. A player who has made the journey from skilful yet inconsistent winger to world beater and surpassing all expectations. Ronaldo’s arrival would benefit all parties involved.
If United secured Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford it would be a spectacular coup for the club. We would be securing a player with many miles left in the tank who can still perform a level above most players in the league. It would represent a serious statement of intent from United to return to the top of European football, let alone the domestic game. We would be securing a player who knows the club inside and out and has a genuine love for the shirt, a player who would demand the best from his peers and brings a wealth of experience at the highest level. He would be a role model for our younger players regarding the importance of training, practice and a dedication to preparation. He would immediately improve our first team and would most likely be the difference in whether we win the title next year or not. The benefits for the club are many. For the player himself, it’s a chance to return to a family club where he still has many friends, where he could be happy again and play in front of fans who adore him. A chance to play a key role in restoring the Reds to their rightful place. A chance to add to his already sterling record and be remembered not only as an icon but as a true legend.
A chance to come home.
If a return to Old Trafford is truly on the cards for Ronaldo, the club would be misguided to the point of negligent if they didn’t make a serious effort to bring him back. In these situations it’s natural for us fans to protect ourselves, dismissing the possibility and attempting to justify why we “don’t need him” anymore. We’ve been burned before, after all. Nevertheless, I implore you to take a look back at our games between 2006 and 2009 and compare them to anything we’ve seen since. For that free-kick against Portsmouth. For the outrageous strike against Porto. For the decimation of Arsenal in the Champions League. For everything he did as the figurehead of the team in the most successful period in our history. It’s time to put aside the few negatives involved for the sake of everything he has done and could do for our club.
Far from “weighing up” a move; Ed Woodward should be chaining himself to the desk of Florentino Perez and refusing to leave without our boy.
Viva Ronaldo
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