Expert issues ‘damaging’ claim as Man United chiefs warn Cristiano Ronaldo
It would be “damaging” for Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness and prospects for 2022-23 if he fails to report for the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia with Man United.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
It has been widely reported that Ronaldo, 37, has asked to leave the Red Devils this summer.
The Mirror reported last Sunday (3 July) that United chiefs have warned the Portuguese superstar that he must travel with the squad for their upcoming pre-season tour.
Per Sky Sports on Monday (4 July), Ronaldo did not turn up for the first day of pre-season because of family reasons.
Dinnery insists that it would amount to self-sabotage if the legendary forward does not complete a proper pre-season with the team.
“The last thing you would question is Ronaldo’s ability to turn up in tip-top condition,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“He is meticulous in his preparation and getting himself ready. However, if you are away from the training ground, you haven’t got that competitive environment or that testosterone-fuelled edge to push you even further.
“He will be working to get himself right but you can’t overstate the importance of being part of the group and getting those games with the group.
“Nobody knows Ronaldo’s body better than himself, but it will have an impact. This pre-season programme has been specifically designed to get players in the best possible condition.
“Any disruption is going to be damaging in one way, shape or form. That might be performance-wise or it might be further down the line in terms of increased risk of picking up injuries.”
In other news, ex-Premier League referee demands “10-year ban” after confirmed Man United news