Solskjaer left baffled by criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left bemused by criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo as Man United boss describes his forward as ‘one of the best players to ever walk the planet’ as he hopes for another magic moment in Saturday’s derby with City

  • Cristiano Ronaldo has scored nine times since his Manchester United return
  • He was once again their savour with his late equaliser at Atalanta in midweek
  • But Portuguese star, 36, has been criticised for not tracking back enough
  • United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is baffled by the criticism of the forward
  • He spoke of Ronaldo’s influence ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby  

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is mystified by suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo is having a negative effect on Manchester United, describing the Portugal star as ‘one of the best players that’s ever walked the planet’.

Ronaldo has scored nine goals in 11 games since making a sensational return to Old Trafford in September amid speculation that he could join Manchester City.

Speaking ahead of the 186th Manchester derby between the two clubs on Saturday lunchtime, Solskjaer said he couldn’t understand why Ronaldo has been criticised for not working harder for the team. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been surprised at criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo since his return

Cristiano Ronaldo’s late equaliser against Atalanta kept United on course in Europe 

Solskjaer congratulates Ronaldo on his late goal to secure a 2-2 draw for United at Atalanta

‘He’s one of the best players that’s ever walked on this planet,’ said the United boss. ‘His impact on and off the pitch has been absolutely immense and the way he conducts himself.

‘How people can say that as a negative I can’t see that one. He scores goals, works for his team, and is a top, top professional.’

Ronaldo’s latest goal came against Atalanta in midweek when his injury-time equaliser rescued a Champions League point in Bergamo.

However, United lost Raphael Varane to a hamstring injury before half-time and Solskjaer confirmed on Friday that the Frenchman could be out for up to five weeks.

United have been dealt a blow by the news that Raphael Varane could miss five weeks

Man United fixtures 

Premier League unless stated 

Saturday Manchester City (H)

November 20 Watford (A)

November 23 Villarreal (A)

Champions League

November 28 Chelsea (A)

December 2 Arsenal (H)

It’s a major setback for United who leaked 11 goals in three games during Varane’s recent absence due to a groin strain, but Victor Lindelof is expected to be fit to face City after missing the Atalanta game.

‘With all the technology now, you expect him (Varane) to be out for four or five weeks with the scan,’ added Solskjaer.

‘It’s a blow for us. Raphael has come in and been really, really influential. Eric (Bailly) came in last time and was excellent. That’s why we have a big squad and cope with absentees.

‘Victor is still a doubt, but hopefully he can come back in tomorrow and say he’s ready, I would expect him to be ready, put it that way but I can’t promise you.’  

Ronaldo has been outstanding since leaving Juventus to return to United, where he first player between 2003 and 2009, in August.

He netted twice on his debut, a 4-1 win over Newcastle United, and has since scored in the Premier League matches against West Ham and Tottenham. 

Ronaldo scored a brilliant volley to help United to a much-needed league win at Tottenham

But he has also excelled in Europe, scoring in all four of United’s group stages matches so far, including a 96th-minute winner against Villarreal, an 81st-minute winner at home to Atalanta and then this week’s late equaliser away to the Italian side.

But with United’s form shaky in the Premier League, Ronaldo had come in for criticism for not pressing enough or tracking back to help his team-mates.

One set of stats put him bottom of the pressing charts for forwards across the Premier League.  

Before Ronaldo had even played a game for United, Sky Sports unit Graeme Souness warned he could end up as a ‘passenger’ in the team.

Souness said on talkSPORT: ‘Every successful team has players where everyone is working to get the ball back. The top teams don’t have any passengers and if you’re taking Ronaldo at this time, he ain’t going to give you the hard yards.’  


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