Home

Soccer

Manchester United Fans Call for a Position Change as Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Them Down Memory Lane

Published 04/14/2022, 2:35 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

After having a great first spell at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo left the Red Devils after the 2008-09 season. But last year, he surprised everyone by signing for Man United once again.

Ronaldo’s arrival brought a massive smile to the faces of several United fans. But the return did not go as planned till now.

Even though CR7 is currently United’s top goalscorer this season, he had failed to perform according to his high standards.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Ronaldo has been playing in the number 9 role for Man United this season. And in many games, the Portuguese had absolutely no impact on the game playing in that role.

Ahead of United’s game against Norwich City, Manchester United fans called for a change in Ronaldo’s position on the field following a training video post from the Red Devils on social media.

In the video, Cristiano Ronaldo is seen doing his trademark stepover from the left side.

It looked like this moment made fans nostalgic as they now want Ronaldo to play on the wings rather than being a number 9.

The Manchester United fans saw a lot of these stepovers from the Portuguese during his first spell at the club.

During his first spell at United, Ronaldo played as a winger in most games. Even during his time at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema played the number 9 role, mostly. And Ronaldo played from the left side.

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo playing as a number 9 rather than a winger?

Well, only the managers can say the exact reason behind this. But here is one reason why Ronaldo is playing as a centre forward for Man United.

Edinson Cavani had hardly been in action for the Red Devils because of his injury problems. Cavani’s absence means there are no more traditional centre forwards in United’s current squad.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

via Reuters

Both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford like to operate from the wings. With Martial now on loan to Sevilla and Rashford currently not in good form, Ronaldo is playing the number 9 role for Manchester United.

Had Edinson Cavani played regularly or had there been a traditional number 9 like Karim Benzema, fans might have got to see Ronaldo on the wings in some games.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

PSG Look to Lure Cristiano Ronaldo Away From Manchester United to Form Dream Team With Lionel Messi

But with his experience and goal-scoring ability, the Portuguese international looks like the best option for the Red Devils in the number 9 role for now.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shouvik Nath

1,155Articles

One take at a time

Shouvik Nath is a WWE and AEW author at EssentiallySports. Having completed his graduation from St.Xavier’s College, Shouvik wished to follow his passion for pro wrestling.
Show More>