Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to Old Trafford in the most controversial transfer saga of the summer. United fans worldwide were left devastated as it seemed that Ronaldo would become a City player. But a dramatic 24 hours saw Ronaldo choose red over blue and return to Manchester. So where will Ronaldo fit in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans?
Ronaldo’s best position
The acquisition of the Portuguese international will reinforce United’s options going forward. The Red Devils already have a plethora of attacking options, but Ronaldo will add that something special. It is likely that the 36-year-old will play in the number nine role. Consequently, Edison Cavani will drop to the bench. Cavani may also give up Ronaldo’s iconic number seven shirt if United can find a way around the shirt issue.
On either side of Ronaldo will be Rashford, once he returns from injury and Jadon Sancho on the other side. This front line will have a mixture of pace, creativity, experience and composure. Moreover, it will also have significant competition. Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Cavani will all be fighting there way into Solskjaer’s plans. The dynamic front line will be supplied by playmakers, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba. Manchester United’s attack will be feared by every team in the league. This attack will be able to hurt teams from every angle and put teams under extreme pressure.
Ronaldo’s return and departures
The arrival of the Portugal captain will also result in some departures. Daniel James has left for Leeds for £25m, who he was close to joining two years ago. The winger leaves United in an attempt to secure more first team football. Teenager, Elanga, will likely go out on loan to get regular playing time. Prior to the Ronaldo deal, Elanga was firmly in Solskjaer’s plans. The United hierarchy may look to sell fringe players to cover the cost of United’s dealings this summer. This could mean that Donny van de Beek and Jesse Lingard are sold on a permanent basis. But the latter looks more likely to depart as Donny seems set to fight for his place.
What will Ronaldo bring to United?
Cristiano Ronaldo could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer if he ends United’s silverware drought. The former Juventus player will add experience and goals to an already frightening United side. His big game performances in the Champions League may have single handedly convinced the Glazers to sanction this move. In addition to this, Ronaldo still has all of his amazing attributes. He is second to none in the air, has great pace, is physically strong and is one of the most two-footed players in world football. Furthermore, he will help nurture the development of United attackers such as Greenwood and Rashford. Ronaldo will be a monumental asset to United both on and off the pitch.
“Viva Ronaldo” will echo around Old Trafford when United face Newcastle. The match set for Ronaldo’s second debut. He will bring excitement and will get the Old Trafford faithful off their seats. This transfer could ultimately be a brilliant piece of business if United were to win the league. The fact Ronaldo chose United over City makes it only sweeter.
