Arsene Wenger reveals Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo problem

Arsene Wenger reveals Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo problem

Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after Liverpool scored their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on October 24, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /

Manchester United would have entered the game against Liverpool at Old Trafford with a lot of confidence. Not only were the Red Devils coming off of a big win in the Champions League in midweek against Atalanta but Jurgen Klopp’s side were missing several key players as well. By the end of the game though, it was clear that there was a gulf between the two sides.

Manchester United were handed a 5-0 defeat at home by Liverpool. And it could have been much worse, but the visitors failed to score after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went down to 10 men at the hour mark with Paul Pogba being sent off.

Naturally, questions are being raised about this team and Solskjaer as manager. Some doubts have also been raised about whether it was a mistake on Manchester United’s part to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.

While speaking to beIN SPORTS, Arsene Wenger felt that it was not a mistake but the club need to create a balance around him, as the former Arsenal manager said:

"“The secret is the balance of the team… Ronaldo can win you games, but you must create a balance around him.”"

Manchester United appear to have taken a step back since the arrival of Ronaldo

It is safe to say that Ronaldo remains a fantastic goalscorer and matchwinner. It was just a few days back that his goal sealed a remarkable 3-2 comeback win for Manchester United against Atalanta.

It must be said though that at this stage of his career, there is a need to play to his strengths while also finding ways to cover his weaknesses.

The Portuguese superstar is not known for the defensive side of his game. But Manchester United have several similar players in this team right now. And thus, the balance just does not seem to be there at the moment.

Thus, the biggest challenge ahead of Solskjaer is to make sure that Ronaldo’s presence ends up working as a positive for this team rather than the other way round. And for that to happen, he will have to find the right balance all over the pitch.

Must Read. Manchester United player tipped to leave in January. light

Home/Manchester United News