Jack Grealish wants to emulate the perfect Manchester United hero
By Bence Bocsak
Grealish claims he wants to emulate this Manchester United star.
With his blond streaks dashing down the flanks, his sinewy legs twisting and twirling and his thighs stretching taut, Jack Grealish lit up the Old Trafford turf. A curling strike which flat-footed Manchester United’s David de Gea and nestled into the top corner of the net, left an indelible impression.
So indelible in fact, that the Red Devils have embarked on a hot pursuit to recruit Jack Grealish to the club.
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The 24 year old Aston Villa captain resembled a star on that fateful night. For over a decade the club have been devoid of that star quality on the flanks. Someone who can bamboozle defences with ease and make the fans awe.
The Red Devils haven’t had a player of that ilk since Cristiano Ronaldo departed Old Trafford in 2009.
Just like the Portuguese star, Jack Grealish has often received criticism and taunts for his flamboyant style on the pitch.
And speaking to the Express and Star via the Daily Express, Grealish admitted he relishes the abuse and compared himself to the former Man United man.
Jack Grealish said the following:
"“I love when people are on my back and targeting me.I always remember when I was a kid – and I am not saying I am anywhere near his level – but Cristiano Ronaldo used to come to Villa and the fans used to absolutely cane him.He used to thrive off it and that is what I try to do.I try to thrive off the hatred from the fans.”"
Grealish’s iconic blonde streaks were also the aesthetic of Cristiano Ronaldo during his early years at the club and it is what often earned him criticism from rival fans.
However it isn’t just in appearance that Grealish can draw comparisons with the former United number seven.
Just like Grealish, Ronaldo caught the eye of Man United fans with an impressive performance against the Red Devils which would ultimately earn him a move to Old Trafford.
Jack Grealish’s goal earlier this season seems to have left a similar impression.
And while the Aston Villa man was the first to admit he is not ‘anywhere near his level’ perhaps Jack Grealish could finally begin to erase the lingering memories of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
For far too long now, the fans have yearned for the Portuguese star to return to the club, however it is time to move on.
Jack Grealish’s flair could be the perfect antidote and one that could help the Red Devils emerge from the ashes of the past.
Do you see any similarities between Jack Grealish and Cristiano Ronaldo?