Ronaldo tipped to be ‘sacrificed’ by Man United after confirmed news – pundit
Cristiano Ronaldo could be “sacrificed” by new boss Ralf Rangnick at Man United, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 36-year-old is harming the development of top-class talents such as Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood.
On Monday (November 29th), Man United confirmed the appointment of Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the season.
Ronaldo has started all but two Premier League fixtures for the Red Devils this season.
The Portuguese icon has come under fire for his on-pitch work rate despite his impressive scoring record.
When asked if Ronaldo is harming the development of players like Rashford, Greenwood and Sancho, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yes, he is.
“If you look at that goal against Chelsea – you had the two Man United attackers, Sancho and Rashford, both sprinting at the ball. I don’t think that would have happened if Ronaldo had been on the pitch – he won’t give you that.
“You’re only going to get that energy from younger players – and the new manager might decide to look to the future.
“I’m sure Ronaldo can be an impact player, but there will be times where he starts the game.
“Most importantly, he’s got to do what the manager asks of him. If he can’t, then he will have to be sacrificed.
“The pressing and energy, it’s a chain reaction. If one doesn’t go, then the others don’t either – and it doesn’t work. You need everyone willing to do it, or it will fall flat on its face.
Man United sit eighth in the Premier League after 13 games.
Ronaldo is the club’s top scorer with four league goals.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has slammed Ed Woodward talks with Boris Johnson after ‘very strange’ development at Man United.