Cristiano Ronaldo should STAY at Man Utd and prove the doubters wrong
Suraj Radia
- 7 Jul 2022 22:47 BST
- 4 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo looks determined to leave Manchester United this summer but the legendary forward’s greatest triumph would be to finish the job he started at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo promised to bring success upon his return to United last summer, telling fans on Instagram: “History has been written in the past and history will be written once again! You have my word!”
Less than a year on, it appears the only history being written is Ronaldo giving up on his club when they need him most – desperate for a goalscorer and a figurehead to lead them into a new era under Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo has lifted silverware at every team he’s played with except this United side and bringing a trophy to supporters when they least expect it would undoubtedly benefit his legacy more than another medal at any other club.
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Be careful what you wish for, Ronny
Having lifted the Champions League and Ballon d’Or five times, Ronaldo is undoubtedly a serial winner but another trophy would not significantly change his legacy.
While he may have valid concerns over the club’s ability to compete at the top, leaving after one season to chase more silverware would reflect poorly on Ronaldo even if he is successful.
Despite the negative reaction from fans towards his transfer request, Ronaldo is still a legend at Old Trafford and the face of the club but he may not receive the same treatment at his next team.
While Ronaldo undoubtedly still has quality, many top sides that he wishes to move to play with high-intensity pressing systems, something which the 37-year-old has struggled to work with.
Indeed, the market doesn’t appear to be as fruitful for Ronaldo as he might have expected and he may only end up receiving offers from teams in similar positions as United or having to take a smaller role and salary.
Bayern director Oliver Kahn again on Cristiano Ronaldo: “As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest players, a move would not fit into our philosophy”, tells @FrankLinkesch ⛔️🇵🇹 #FCBayern
Mendes discussed with Bayern of Ronaldo but answer is still the same. pic.twitter.com/6Ax6YG6kLs— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2022
Leaving United having failed to bring a trophy to the club would only fuel speculation that he is not good enough to lead a team to success anymore, especially if he achieves it with a better team elsewhere.
But staying to see out his contract and giving the new regime a chance to succeed would keep his legacy intact, even if the club fails to win any trophies next season.
Furthermore, with the market appearing dry for an ageing Ronaldo, he could benefit from being a free agent next year and choosing his destination instead of taking whichever team is willing to shuffle their plans for him this summer.
It appears the best option for Ronaldo’s legacy and career would be to stay where he is wanted and fulfilling his promise of bringing success to his beloved United.
