Whichever way you feel about him, there is no denying that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players active today. He has five Ballon d’Or awards and four European Golden Shoes to attest to that fact. And while the player has caught some flak for his attitude, he has never been accused of mucking up on the field. So, precisely for that reason, many Manchester United fans were sorely disappointed to find that Ronaldo and the Red Devils have parted ways.
Manchester United Recent Track Record
It goes without saying that Manchester United is England’s most accomplished clubs. With more accolades, awards, and honors than pretty much any other football team in the country. They’ve won a record of 20 League Titles, 12 FA Cups, and another record of 21 Community Shields. So, to have one of England’s most accomplished clubs join with one of football’s most accomplished players just made sense.
And indeed, for a while, Manchester United was the darling of many punters. Take a look at some the BetTarget sports betting reviews, and you will find that Man Utd often stands at the very top of the odds for the Premier League championship. That being said, it certainly has been a while since the Red Devils have won the Premier League. However, in 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the club that made him famous. And many hoped that this would be a turning point for the team.
Cristiano’s Return to Manchester United
Last summer, Manchester United officially announced they had negotiated Ronaldo’s return. Previously, Ronaldo had been playing for Serie A’s Juventus, another top-tier football club. Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract and was confirmed to participate in last season’s Premier League. During this season, Ronaldo managed to surpass 800 career goals, and score 100 Premier League goals. Truly a feat worth praise.
However, it wasn’t all fun and games. Despite the team’s best efforts, the Red Devils placed sixth. A disappointing placement for a club as accomplished as Manchester United. On top of that, it was the first time in 12 years that Ronaldo went without a trophy. We can’t say for sure, but many believe that this is where the trouble between Ronaldo and Man Utd began. So, unsurprisingly, the Red Devils and Ronaldo departed in 2022. The separation will do Manchester United some good, Erik ten Hag told in an interview recently. So, just what happened between the two parties?
The Separation
The 2021/22 season was not one of Manchester United’s finest. Dissatisfaction took the team, and it would seem no player was more affected then Cristiano Ronaldo. He was vocal about his opinions on the team’s management, both off and on the field. Needless to say, they weren’t positive. On top of that, he voiced his plans to leave Manchester United to compete in the Champion’s League, despite Erik ten Hag’s insistence that he is part of the team’s plans moving forward.
It all came to a clash when Cristiano Ronaldo was benched during key matches in the on-going Premier League. Putting him in reserve was a shock to fans and detractors alike. But most of all, it came as a surprise to Ronaldo himself, who recently claimed that Erik ten Hag had “betrayed” him. Less than a month ago, Ronaldo’s contract was terminated, with both parties believing it is for the best. What is next for Ronaldo, we can’t say. Manchester United for their part are going to do their best at the Premier League moving forward.
Conclusion
Football is growing in popularity as a sport, with football-related initiatives gaining traction in the art world. Ronaldo is one of the best players active today, so we have no doubt he will find a place very soon. As for Manchester United, fans are hoping that the team will perform better now that cohesion has been, hopefully, restored. Currently, they are ranked 5th, which isn’t much of a step up from last year. Though, the Premier League season still has a ways to go.
