UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again stepped up for Manchester United. The forward scored the opener in the club’s 2-0 win against Brighton on Tuesday.
It may have been his first goal in five league games, but it was a vital one. The Portugal international now has nine Premier League goals this season. Only Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Raheem Sterling have more.
Moreover, he now has as many Premier League goals for Man Utd as Andy Cole (93).
Back on track! Nobody gives up and there’s only one way to get back on track: hard work, team work, serious work. Everything else is just noise. Let’s go Devils!🔴⚫️💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/u8sZzzJQn5
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) February 15, 2022
The United legend has also been in sensational form in Europe. He has six goals from his five matches so far. Time and again he has been the man his team has turned to in moments of need.
But despite the goals, many fans are still questioning whether or not the team is better off without him. It comes amid concerns about his work ethic and attitude. Both, several people claim, could undoubtedly be improved.
Do Man Utd need Cristiano Ronaldo?
Many players around the attacker are certainly working harder than him, both on and off the ball. But it seems that only Ronaldo himself is capable of producing match-winning moments for the club.
Many fans, however, claim that a hard-working forward would be a more appropriate option.
There is, of course, plenty of ability among the club’s attacking options. Marcus Rashford and more recently Jadon Sancho have shown their potential going forward. Anthony Elanga is another who has forced his way into Ralf Rangnick’s thinking.
But in true Ronaldo fashion, he has always and will always be the main man. He takes centre stage wherever he goes, and the Old Trafford faithful will forever adore him.
United moved into the top four with their latest win, a position that is of huge importance to their star player. Reports claim that he will leave Manchester this summer if fourth place is not secured.
For many, it will be a blessing in disguise if Ronaldo does move on. For others, he is the hero the club needs in order to turn their fortunes around.
Is David De Gea back to his best?
If fans had been questioning Ronaldo, then they had definitely been questioning goalkeeper David De Gea. The shot stopper certainly had a dip in form not so long ago.
But the Spaniard’s latest displays have put any concerns to bed. Last month, De Gea climbed into third place in Man Utd’s all-time clean sheet leaderboard with 162.
And the number one claimed another record against Brighton. He moved into the top ten in the Premier League all-time clean sheet leaderboard. His 128 clean sheets place him level with club legend Peter Schmeichel. And it’s only four behind Edwin van der Sar.
Clean sheets aside, the Spaniard has been making save after save this season. With an unstable defence in front of him, the goalkeeper has often been his club’s hero at the back. His footwork may not be at the same level as his counterparts. But his shot-stopping and reflexes are right up there with the very best.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
