Ronaldo: A boon or bane for Man United?

Published

3 years ago

October 17, 2021

admin

Manchester United’s summer transfer window activities made their fans quite excited about the new Premier League season.

They had secured big-money signings in the forms of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.

But, the most remarkable signing they made was undoubtedly the one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s.

The Portuguese superstar’s sensational return to Old Trafford after 12 years eclipsed the news of Lionel Messi joining Paris Saint-Germain to become the most hyped transfer of the season.

Coming on the back of a 28-goal Serie A season, Ronaldo seemed to be the missing piece of the puzzle in Manchester United’s frontline.

Has Ronaldo improved the side?

Analysing Manchester United’s performances in their first eight Premier League outings, we tried to identify whether or not Ronaldo’s inclusion has been an upgrade for the Red Devils attack.

Manchester United, who had finished runner-ups behind Manchester City last season, have had a shaky start to their campaign once again.

As of writing, they occupy 5th place on the table with 14 points after suffering a 4-2 defeat at Leicester.

In Europe, they lost their first Champion’s League group match against Swiss outfit BSC Young Boys and followed up with a scrappy 2-1 win over Villarreal.

Continues to score

On paper, Ronaldo has had a more-than-decent start to his second stint at United.

He has returned five goals in seven outings across all competitions.

Since he has been so prolific, is it not obvious that the 36-year-old has made Manchester United as an attacking unit?

Unfortunately, it is not that simple.

By all odds, goals are important in football.

After all, it is the goal count that determines the winner and loser of a football game.

So, you cannot undermine a player who has been scoring goals for a team regularly.

That said, you cannot afford to disregard the effect that particular player has on the structural integrity of the team.

Ronaldo’s effect on the team

To be more precise, it should be taken into consideration how the player impacts the likelihood of the team scoring.

Is he holding back others from scoring or making them more involved in the attack?

Ronaldo is a player who prefers to have a lot of possession.

He loves to explore the left channel, United’s preferred ball progression zone, and move centrally holding the ball.

This is a proposition that is new to the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United system.

Solskjaer did not have a centre-forward before who had similar attributes.

Therefore, the Norwegian is yet to figure out how to incorporate Ronaldo properly into his attacking philosophy.

Manchester United’s attacking sequence data suggests while Ronaldo has been excellent at creating shooting opportunities for himself, his chance creation and build-up involvement has been lacklustre.

Manchester United Attacking Sequence Data 21/22 Season

Player	Involvement In Shot Assists	Involvement In Buildup to Shot	Involvement In Shots
Bruno Fernandes	6	23	5
Paul Pogba	3	20	5
Luke Shaw	4	18	1
Fred	2	21	0
Aaron Wan-Bissaka	3	19	0
Mason Greenwood	4	13	1
Cristiano Ronaldo	1	7	7

In Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United have a striker who thrives with high possession.

His attacking qualities will be quite rewarding for a team that can deploy him in a setup that revolves around him.

As of now, Manchester United’s attacking setup is not suited to exploit the five-time Balon d’Or winner’s attacking prowess.

Sooner or later, a compromise has to be reached for Ronaldo and United to function more efficiently.

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.