Shearer defends Ronaldo and highlights 'pathetic' Man Utd defending

Cristiano Ronaldo is not to blame for Manchester United’s struggles and serious questions need to be asked of the team’s ‘pathetic’ defending, according to Alan Shearer.

Ronaldo completed a dramatic return to Old Trafford over the summer, 12 years after the conclusion of his first spell in Manchester.

But following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has now gone six games without a goal.

Ronaldo is still United’s top scorer this season with 14 goals across all competitions, however, he has faced criticism for perceived negative body language on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Ralf Rangnick’s side were held to a second consecutive draw in the Premier League, which has left them in fifth place in the table.

But former England and Newcastle striker Shearer has defended Ronaldo and insisted there is a ‘false narrative’ surrounding the Portugal international.

‘Ronaldo must be thinking, “what have I walked into…” He is an unbelievable player — one of the greatest to have ever strode the planet — but he is also 37,’ Shearer told The Athletic.

‘He rails against being left out or being taken off because the very essence of his make-up is an unparalleled will to win and a determination never to be beaten. He wants to play every single minute of every match. Once that attitude goes, Ronaldo goes. But, of course, it also puts pressure on the manager.

‘I don’t blame Ronaldo for anything that’s going on there. He has every right to believe that if it wasn’t for him then they’d be far worse off than they are. He would be correct.

‘Again, I have some experience of his situation. Towards the end of my career I was left out a couple of times or taken off and I can’t explain how much I hated it. Hated every second. I found it embarrassing, a humiliation. That was me. It still is.

‘Should he be more graceful at the end of matches, encouraging his team-mates? Having Ronaldo at the club should be a dream for younger players and if they’re not asking him advice and soaking it all up, then they bloody well should be.

‘For me, it’s a false narrative. The hard questions should be asked of Manchester United’s pathetic defending, or the lack of it. Ronaldo isn’t making excuses, he’s fuming at the chaos and demanding better.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Source: Read Full Article