Cristiano Ronaldo has limited playing time under new boss Erik ten Hag, and fitness could be part of the reason. While the superstar has started all three Europa League games for Manchester United, he only managed a place in the starting XI during the Premier League. The only start was the embarrassing 4-0 loss to Brentford in August.
The Portuguese international received more than 60 minutes at the weekend against Everton. However, he only came on as an early substitute due to an injury to Anthony Martial. Ronaldo, however, seized the opportunity and scored his first league goal this season. That goal was the 700th in his lauded career at the club.
The coach claimed on Wednesday that his star player was not fully fit at the start of the season. “In the beginning, it was the case [lack of fitness]”, ten Hag said during a press conference. “It’s proven once again, no one can miss a preseason.”
“I want to support [Ronaldo] the best possible”, continued the technician. “We have certain demands from the players, what we expect in certain positions. I want to get the best out of him. He is in better shape now and I am happy with that.”
Ten Hag affirms that Ronaldo is not fit
Ronaldo’s start to the season has certainly been difficult. Coupled with his reduced playing time, many of his 90-minute stat averages are career lows thus far.
At 37 years old, most players are not as explosive as they used to be. However, Ronaldo’s dribbling success rate in the Premier League is only 25% at the moment. Last season he managed to maintain a respectable rate of 53%. During his time with Juventus, Ronaldo averaged a dribbling success rate of around 60%.
In addition to beating opposing defenders for pace, Ronaldo also has current career low averages in progressive carries, progressive passing and goal-creating actions. The Superstar currently also has an on-target rate of fire of just 27%. His previous career low in this category since the 2017-18 campaign was 34%.
Ten Hag and Manchester United fans are hoping Ronaldo has dusted himself off ahead of a busy period of play.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
