It’s been a huge improvement so far for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage compared to last season’s dismal performances.
Currently, the Red Devils are just three points away from third place when they have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
United are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run, a far cry from last season’s dire performances, in which the team finished sixth.
CR7’s struggles this season
While the team has made progress on the pitch, last season’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo has found it difficult to replicate the form of the previous season.
The Portuguese was the top scorer, scoring 24 goals throughout the season in all competitions. This season he has managed three goals in 15 games.
And that has drawn a lot of criticism, with many pointing to the need for the 20-time English champion to replace him with an elite goalscorer.
The off-field controversy hasn’t helped at all. especially after he refused to come on as a substitute during United’s resounding win over Tottenham Hotspur.
???????????? Pellistri is Ronaldo:
“He’s always one of the first in and one of the last out. You always hear those things, but I can confirm it. He’s also very human. He asked me about my injury. He’s amazing as a person.” pic.twitter.com/JaTdj1iXW4
— CR7’s timeline. (@TimelineCR7) November 4, 2022
The Portugal international may not be seen in the same light from the outside, but many members of the United squad have come out to support him.
The last to do so is Facundo Pellistri. The Uruguayan is yet to make his first-team debut, but he has been a regular fixture on the United bench in the last month since he recovered from his ankle injury.
And the Uruguayan international mentioned that the 37-year-old is one of the most “human” people he has ever seen, which has surprised him considering all he has achieved in the game.
“He is also ‘very human’, although he is one of the biggest stars in football and in the world, he is always attentive to everything.
“He always greets me and asks me about my injury, as a person he is incredible, as a player we already know what it is,” Pellistri told ESPN.
Ronaldo’s last fan
The former youth Peñarold also revealed that Ronaldo is worthy of admiration for his dedication even at this stage of his career.
“What impressed me the most about Cristiano Ronaldo? Already when I saw him, he impressed me.
“But yes, he is always one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, you always hear those things, but with him I confirmed it.”
Fans are hoping that Ronaldo’s influence could rub off on the next generation, especially his will to improve and his winning mentality.
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