The King Returns
After thirteen years away from the club, Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford. He left as the best player in the world and has returned as the best player in the world. You can tell what it means to the fans, players, and the whole organisation that a serial winner and club legend has come back to restore Manchester United with titles again. His career has reached the ceiling; whilst being away from the club, he has managed to score 392 goals combined at Juventus and Real Madrid whilst also winning 4 Ballon d’Ors, two La Liga titles, two Copa Del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, Four Champions Leagues and two Seria A league titles… the list goes on.
He has so much silverware to his name; there’s no denying this man is a walking legend and a world football icon. Some may say that at 36 years old, he will not be able to repeat what he has done; however, since joining United he has managed to lead as top goal scorer for the club. He is known for proving the doubters wrong throughout his career, and with his experience, winning mentality and will to succeed; he will strengthen this Manchester United squad and boost the morale of the organisation more than anyone has ever done before.
Does Cristiano Ronaldo Suit Manchester United’s New Formation?
It is clear to see that Ronaldo isn’t the same type of player he was back in his glory days at Manchester United. The 36-year-old plays a bit further up the field as an attacker as he has managed to change his game and style of play. You will see him play more on the defensive line with the centre back as a number nine, which makes you question what he offers to the Manchester United attack. Well, during his spells at Real Madrid and Juventus, the Portuguese attacker has improved his ability to shift in behind the defence. Not to mention his aerial ability in the box, his movement in the attacking third is probably one of the reasons he stands out as one of the best players in the world. Ronaldo has managed to score some outrageous goals that fans across the world have been blown away by, so it will be interesting to see how the manager sets the team up with Ronaldo as the starting striker.
During this season’s campaign you have seen Ole Gunnar Solskjar play a 4-2-3-1 formation. It has pretty much been United’s default formation for this season, as it has featured numerous times already. it is undeniable that Ole is going to want to play on the forefront and have much more possession of the ball, as many teams have made it difficult for United when they seem to sit back deep. When teams park the bus and play low block it leaves United the only option to break them down; hence why you have seen the club make a more attacking approach with signings like Sancho who specialises in drawing defenders out of position.
Fortunately, for United they have multiple attacking options and are versatile in causing havoc to teams now that they have options in two strikers in Ronaldo and Cavani who can operate in the box dangerously. Having the creative flair and depth of attacking options, whilst having Bruno and Pogba; it will not be hard for them to create many chances. Perhaps teams want to sit back and defend; then they have Luke Shaw, Telles, Wan-Bissaka or Dalot who can overlap and put balls into the box for players like Ronaldo or Cavani. This will disrupt teams in the Premier League, as United have the capability of counter attacking teams. But, also have players that can dictate the ball and create chances for the forwards such as Ronaldo and Cavani who are great poachers in the box, which is a nightmare for defenders.
Verdict On CDM Position
When the transfer window opened this summer, it was evident where United needed strengthening which was three areas in: CDM, RW and CB. The world was shocked by news that Cristiano Ronaldo reached an agreement with Manchester City, which gave United no choice but to react immediately. So, they did. United went and brought Ronaldo back to the club which fans were happy and delighted about, but some could say it might have papered over the cracks, as United was still left vulnerable in midfield without a CDM. Drastically fans have been bored and fed up with seeing Mctominay and Fred in the CDM position, as they both lack the ability to be good on the ball. Despite them both offering a decent level of defensive contribution; it is just not good enough.
If you look at some of the greatest sides in world football, every team has made sure they have discovered and captured a CDM that completes their midfield, can win the ball back and can do the dirty work, but mostly, have a decent level of technical ability whilst possessing a sense of tenaciousness in midfield.
Besides United strengthening their defence in signing a world class centre back in Raphael Varane, believe it or not, wherever United finish this season, it is inevitable to the fact that they need a designated defensive midfielder. It is impossible for them to have so many attacking players in the final third without a player who can defend the counterattacking play from opposition when things go wrong. Most of the top teams in the top leagues have at least one specialist central defensive midfielder. It is strange that United hasn’t seen this as a major weakness.
Reinforcements Needed Urgently!
If Manchester united want to be a possession-based team which is something they are pushing towards then it can be too much to ask for, as with players like Mctominay and Fred who seem to lack passing ability, and the ability to hold the ball up in midfield is a major problem. If we see Manchester United buy in January, there will be two areas that will be needed of strengthening. One will be a designated central defensive midfielder who seemingly has the attributes that support possession-based style of play.
They need a midfielder who can excel both in attack and defence; most importantly be able to provide a certain level of composure, decision making and passing ability to support the attacking players. This will help them contain much more possession in matches, as well as help the structure of the team in both defensive and attacking scenarios. Another position that is a concern is competition for Aaron Wan-Bisaka who is exceptionally defensive; his inability to attack with the ball is a concern.
It is no secret that when Manchester United play, they repeatedly attack the ball from the left-hand side which makes them too predictable. If Manchester United can get hold of a much more balanced right-back who could attack and defend, they might see a much more productive piece of play on the right-hand side. This will enable them to have more fluidity in attacking situations, but also have more attacking options in the final third.
Uncertainty Of Future With Manchester United
If Manchester United want to aspire to be the team they use to be, whether United fans like it or not, it will take some time. it is not clear whether a manager will come in and make an instant impact. We have seen many positives in the last two years with players getting sold and deadwood being dismantled from the club. However, with certain players future in doubt such as Pogba, Ronaldo and many more, United need to really get it right in the coming year in terms of recruitment of players, managers and backroom staff… the whole structure needs to be successful. Otherwise they are just going to keep suffering whilst teams strengthen and improve in the Premier league. This summer will be a good storytelling, as we will see how united shape next season with a new manager and new players coming in as replacements.
