March 6th 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo made a highly-anticipated return to Manchester United in 2021, much to the excitement of fans and the club's manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The decision to bring back the legendary forward came with mixed reactions, but Solskjaer stood by his choice and had no regrets about signing him.
Despite finishing second in the Premier League and being runners-up in the Europa League the previous season, United knew they needed an extra boost to compete at the highest level. This led to the signing of Ronaldo from Juventus for a fee of £12m, beating out competition from rivals Manchester City. The club had also secured the signings of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho earlier in the summer, and convinced Edinson Cavani to stay for another year.
However, the arrival of Ronaldo caused some disruption within the team. Solskjaer admits that it was a difficult situation to navigate, and it ultimately led to his departure from the club just three months later. Despite this, he stands by his decision to bring Ronaldo back, knowing the impact he could have on the team.
Solskjaer reveals that the arrival of Ronaldo had an effect on other players, particularly Cavani. The team had already established a certain style of play and understanding with the Uruguayan forward, but with Ronaldo's arrival, things had to be adjusted. And while Ronaldo's presence on the field was not an issue, it was off the ball where things became challenging. The team had been known for their high pressing style, but with Ronaldo's different playing style, changes had to be made.
The manager also shares that part of the reason for signing Ronaldo was to bring his passion and discipline to the team, but it did come with its complications. The younger players, such as Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial, were meant to learn from Ronaldo, but his strong personality and demands made it difficult for them to do so.
In the end, Solskjaer stands by his decision to sign Ronaldo, despite it not turning out as planned. He believes it was the right choice at the time, and that the team could have benefited from having the best player in the world in their ranks. However, with hindsight, he acknowledges that it may not have been the best decision for the team's dynamic and chemistry.
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