Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning Man Utd stat shines light on how Solskjaer over-relies on him

Atalanta v Manchester United: Match in Pictures

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Cristiano Ronaldo bailed Manchester United out not for the first time on Tuesday night. The 36-year-old superstar netted a sensational volley in stoppage time to secure a point for United in their Champions League group game against Atalanta.

Ronaldo has already scored a number of key goals for United this season and grabbed late winners against Villarreal and Atalanta in the Champions League back in September and October.

The Portuguese forward was up to his old tricks again on Tuesday night as he spared United’s blushes with a crucial equaliser late on to help them climb to top position in Group F.

United have already endured a tough start to the season, which has seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer face calls to be removed from his job.

Had they not signed Ronaldo on deadline day back in the summer, however, United may have found themselves in much worse circumstances.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus talisman has now scored seven goals for the season and has had his significance to the team underlined by an astonishing stat.

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Since re-joining United in a £19.8million deal from Juventus, Ronaldo has scored or assisted 50 per cent of United’s goals this season in all competitions.

Solskjaer may wonder if he’d still be in a job if it weren’t for Ronaldo’s goals.

The Norwegian is reported to be on the brink of the sack and could get the chop on Saturday should United fail to get a positive result against arch-rivals Manchester City.

However, Ronaldo has appeared to suggest that Solskjaer will be given more time.

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Speaking after his Champions League heroics, he indicated that a decision about Solskjaer’s future has already been made by claiming “we have more time to improve” under him.

“It was a difficult game. I know that when we play Atalanta it’s difficult and we believe until the end that I will help my team get the points and I’m so happy,” Ronaldo told BT Sport.

“We never give up and believe until the end. It’s a good result for us I think.

“The beginning was tough, Atalanta have a fantastic coach and they know what to do. I knew when I played in Juventus. We did our job well.

“We are lucky I scored but that’s football. We still have to improve. We have different players and different systems. We have to adapt but it will take time. We have time to improve.”

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