Cristiano Ronaldo’s verdict on Man Utd squad ahead of Liverpool showdown

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal on Man Utd return in pictures

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he sees huge potential in the current Manchester United squad. The Portugal international returned to Old Trafford back in the summer, moving back from Juventus after 12 years away. And, ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool, the 36-year-old has already struck six times.

United sent shockwaves around the footballing world when they re-signed Ronaldo back in the summer.

The veteran had looked set to join Manchester City but, after interventions from the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Bruno Fernandes, he returned to Old Trafford instead.

While United have been inconsistent since his Hollywood homecoming, the 36-year-old has still scored six times already.

This is certainly a different squad to the one Ronaldo left behind when he joined Real Madrid back in 2009.

But the Portugal international, speaking to Sky Sports, has claimed he sees great potential in the current side.

“I said what I felt in that moment: that I’m here to win things,” he said.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

“Manchester United is a sign [of] winning things and I’m not here for holidays.

“I said to them I see huge potential in this team; very young players, players with potential, and I’m here to win and to help the team to build new stuff.

“I didn’t sing because I told them that I sang a few years ago!

“But it was good. The boys, they understand me, it was a good speech and I was happy that night.”

Ronaldo has also hit back at suggestions that he doesn’t work hard enough defensively, insisting it’s ‘part of his job’.

“I know when the team needs my help defensively,” he said.

DON’T MISS

Ronaldo may block Man Utd from hiring Conte

Conte’s comments on Tottenham job with Nuno under fire

Latest Guendouzi antics show Arsenal were right to sell

“But my role in the club is to win, help the team to win and to score goals – [the defensive side] is part of my job.

“The people who don’t want to see that is because they don’t like me but to be honest I’m 36, I win everything so am I going to be worried about the people who say bad things about me? I sleep good at night.

“I go to my bed with my conscience very good. Keep going with that because I will still close mouths and win things.

“Criticism is always part of the business. I’m not worried about that.

“And I see it as a good thing to be honest. If they worry about me or they speak about me, it’s because they know my potential and value in football still.

“So it’s good. I’ll give you an example: if you’re in a school and you’re the best student, you ask the worst student if he likes the best, they’ll say they don’t like him.

“I think the main word is that I’m still happy and enjoying football.

“It doesn’t matter how many things I won in my career. I win everything but I’m still motivated.

“I’m in a new chapter of my life, even with my age, and this is why I am here – to try to win and I think Manchester needs to be at this level of winning and thinking to win big things so I’m here to help.”

Ahead of United’s clash with Liverpool, comparisons between Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah have been made.

And Gary Neville thinks the pair are both consistent assets to their respective teams.

“Cristiano was the first person I’d ever heard say that he wanted to become the best player in the world,” he said.

“It was quite unusual to hear it as everyone talks about the team and the collective.

“To hear Mohamed Salah say it in his interview is refreshing but I think you can say these things when you’re delivering, and these two [Salah and Ronaldo] have delivered now consistently.

“Ronaldo for 10-15 years and Mo Salah for five or six years and beyond.

“They’re absolutely deadly. They’re ruthless and they’re clinical.

“Their standards have always been exceptional and their output has always been good.”

Source: Read Full Article