Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play with Manchester United in the Europa League this season after failing to get a move to a Champions League club before the closure of this summer transfer window on September 1, 2022.
The last time Ronaldo competed in the Europa League was when he played for Portugal Sporting CP in the 2002/03 season at the Age of 17 since then he has always played Champions League football.
Ronaldo is arguably the biggest player in Champions League history with five titles and is the all-time highest goal scorer.
Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing in sixth position on the Premier League table last season.
In a bid to play in the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, worked very hard to get him a club playing in the Champions League, but all the clubs he was linked to rejected him.
The majority of the clubs backed out of the Ronaldo deal because of his age, tactical fit in the managers’ plan and his high wages.
Manchester United insisted on keeping the 37-year-old striker until his contract ends.
It has been reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s behavior has changed after he made known his intention of leaving the club.
He has numerous times criticized Erik Ten Hag’s training method and has been seen eating alone even though the manager wanted the team to eat together, which was a worrisome sign.
Erik Ten Hag has repeatedly stated that Ronaldo is happy at the club and is ready to motivate the younger players to win games.
Ronaldo’s appetite to succeed and his loyalty to Manchester United may also be the reason he stayed at Manchester United.
The Portuguese wanted the club to be ambitious in signing players given that they haven’t been the best in terms of recruitment.
Cristiano Ronaldo has only started a game under Erik Ten Hag in the Premier League, as the manager preferred using Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Elanga as his attacking options.
Ronaldo has been sloppy in some matches, and he might not start the majority of the matches this season. With the addition of Antony, the era of Ronaldo starting games is over.
Teams Manchester United will play against in the Europa League
Manchester United have been paired with Real Sociedad, FC Sherriff Tiraspol and Omonia Nicosa.
Manchester United will play against Real Sociedad in the Europa League on September 8, 2022 at 8pm.
Manchester United play away to FC Sherriff Tiraspol on September 15, 2022, at 5:45pm. They then travel to Omonia Nicosia on October 6, 2022, at 5:45pm.
The club has been tipped to win the tournament, but they are currently struggling to get wins in the Premier League.
Ronaldo Stats Since He Came Back To Manchester United
Last season, Ronaldo made 30 appearances in the Premier League and scored 18 goals. In the Champions League, Ronaldo made seven appearances, scoring six goals and providing an assist.
How Cristiano Ronaldo Might Survive Under Erik Ten Hag
Ten Hag doesn’t have favorites and he selects players according to their performances. Ronaldo needs to up his game and make sure his finishing is clinical enough.
This season, the Portuguese has made five appearances and scored no goal in the Premier League. He started most of the matches as a substitute.
Manchester United will face Arsenal in the Premier League on September 4, 2022, in what is likely to be a cracker for both teams.
The London side have conceded two goals in the last two matches, and the Red Devils have kept two clean sheets in the last two matches.
