Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in August 2021 amid great fanfare. His return was made all the better with two goals versus Newcastle United in a Manchester United 4-1 win.
Since then, Ronaldo’s performances, and those of Manchester United, have been highly inconsistent. Just six additional Premier League goals have been scored by Ronaldo following his re-debut for the Red Devils.
📣 Ralf says: "What [@Cristiano] has done in his career so far is amazing. I mean, 800 competitive goals, nobody has achieved that before in the last, I don't know, 80 or 100 years."This shows what kind of player he is, what an exceptional player he is." 🌟#MUFC | #BREMUN— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 18, 2022
📣 Ralf says: "What [@Cristiano] has done in his career so far is amazing. I mean, 800 competitive goals, nobody has achieved that before in the last, I don't know, 80 or 100 years."This shows what kind of player he is, what an exceptional player he is." 🌟#MUFC | #BREMUN
The forward was supposed to usher in a new era of winning for Manchester United. Yet, the Red Devils have simply been the same hot and cold team they were before Ronaldo returned.
Yes, Ronaldo has given Manchester United a late threat, which has shown in the team’s Champions League performances. Ronaldo not only scored in every Champions League match he appeared in during the group stage, but he scored late equalisers or winners to ensure the Red Devils topped their group.
It is the consistency of the Premier League that Ronaldo has struggled with. To be fair, every team in the Premier League outside of Manchester City has struggled with the consistency needed to win the Premier League in 2021-22.
The big question is, has Ronaldo actually improved Manchester United in 2021-22? Most supporters would say ‘yes’, but the numbers do not actually show that.
Ronaldo has eight goals and three assists in 16 league matches, compiling 1,298 minutes of action. He averages a Premier League goal every 162 minutes.
The forward missed Manchester United’s most recent league 2-2 draw with Aston Villa with a hip flexor injury amid rumours of discontent and a transfer out of Old Trafford.
After 20 matches, Manchester United sit seventh in the Premier League with 32 points, 32 goals for and 29 against. The Red Devils have posted a record of 9W-5D-6L in the league.
In 2020-21 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, prior to the return of Ronaldo, Manchester United were second in the Premier League standings behind Manchester City. The two matches prior to their matchday 20, 2-1 loss to Sheffield United, Manchester United were first in the division.
From January 27, Manchester United did not vacate second place. So, what has changed this season?
Well, for starters Ronaldo returned, leading teammates to pass up shots to feed the ball to forward. Secondly, Solskjaer was sacked after losing the dressing room with Ralf Rangnick appointed interim coach.
Now, Manchester United are fighting for a European qualification place rather than the title. Sure, Liverpool and Chelsea are much improved this term, but Manchester United have gone backwards since the arrival of Ronaldo.
In 2020-21, Bruno Fernandes scored 18 goals and tallied 12 assists. This season, he has seven goals and three assists. Marcus Rashford, who looks like a shell of his former self, had 11 league goals and nine assists a season ago. This season, Rashford has two goals and an assist in the league.
Adding to the above stats, it is time to dispel the notion that Ronaldo is a masterful free-kick taker. The forward has not scored a free-kick since July 4, 2020. The goal came against Torino as Juventus won.
It was Ronaldo’s only free-kick goal for Juventus. He had failed to convert 43 previous free kicks for the Bianconeri. Ronaldo has not scored a Premier League goal from a free-kick. It isn’t bad luck. It is technique and skill that scores free-kicks.
Ronaldo scored 55 free-kick goals in his career. Thirteen of those 55 goals came for Manchester United while 32 were in La Liga, a division Ronaldo dominated.
So, has Ronaldo actually improved Manchester United in 2021-22? The simple answer is no.