At the age of 36, there were a lot of doubts about whether Ronaldo can live up to the expectations, but the former Real Madrid forward has silenced his critics in some style.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been a revelation since completing his high-profile summer move to Manchester United. The Portuguese forward has been scoring a lot of important goals, helping the team get crucial points both in the Premier League and the Champions League. At the age of 36, there were a lot of doubts about whether Ronaldo can live up to the expectations, but the former Real Madrid forward has silenced his critics in some style. Last week, Ronaldo started the draw at Newcastle United and the victory against Burnley at home. Next up is a Premier League match against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday. It will be interesting to see if the interim manager Ralf Rangnick will start him on Monday.
In a press conference, Rangnick was asked if he has any concerns about Ronaldo playing for the third time in seven days (against Wolves). “Today I didn’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be able to play another game. Physically he seems to be fit. He is doing everything. He is a top professional, he looks after himself and after his body, he eats the right things. At the age of 36 I have never seen a player at this age, maybe [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is a little bit older but is a different kind of player, but I don’t see why he shouldn’t able to play three games in eight days but if at one stage we need to rest him it is no problem, but then it’s even more important to have Edinson in the squad,” he explained.
Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek is extremely popular with the supporters but has struggled for game time on the pitch since joining Manchester United. Asked about what does he have to do to get a chance in the new formation, Rangnick replied, “Just work hard. So far, as I have got to know him, he has got a top mentality. He works hard in every training session. He is a team player through and through. There will be games where he will get his chance to play, I am sure.”
“I also had a long conversation with him last week about that and again, of course it is difficult for him right now because he also wants to play for the Dutch national team, he wants to qualify for himself and play in the World Cup in Qatar and in order to do that he needs to get game time here. But I still believe we should keep him, and he should stay here, definitely until the end of this season and try to get as much game time as he possibly can.”
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