Ronaldo is NOT a negative influence at Man Utd, insists Solskjaer

Stuart Hodge

• 5 Nov 2021 12:04 CDT
• 3 min read

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has blasted suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo has been a "negative" influence on Manchester United since rejoining the club from Juventus.

The Portuguese striker has scored nine goals in 10 starts since returning to Old Trafford, including an injury time equaliser against Atalanta to rescue a point in the Champions League in midweek.

But, there are still many pundits and fans who actually consider the signing of him to be a negative.

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At 36 years old, Ronaldo is not a young man anymore and even though he remains incredibly fit, he is not able to implement a ferocious pressing game which is what many modern managers and coaches of elite clubs aim for these days.

There is, of course, the fact that Ronaldo is now the undisputed main man up top which will take minutes away from the popular figure of Edinson Cavani as well as academy products Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

Members of the assembled media were questioning the United boss ahead of tomorrow's derby with Manchester City and the Norwegian gave short shrift to the claim about Ronaldo.

Solskjaer said: “He’s one of the best players that’s ever walked on the planet.

“His impact on and off the pitch has been absolutely immense, the goals he scores, the way he conducts himself in and around the place, so how people can say it’s a negative, I can’t see it.

“Really, really pleased he started off as well as he has but that’s what he does, he scores goals, he works for his team, he’s a top, top professional.”

Surpassing the boss

Ronaldo's brace in Bergamo took him to 127 United goals across his two spells at Old Trafford and, coincidentally, one beyond Solskjaer’s own tally of 126.

"Cristiano [Ronaldo] is just incredible," Solskjaer said after the match. "If there is anyone you want a chance to fall to and a difficult chance, it is just incredible."