‘If I am the manager, personally I want him to score goals and then the rest of the team adapt.’
Patrice Evra can’t understand why Cristiano Ronaldo receives criticism for his lack of pressing at Manchester United. Ronaldo rejoined the club in the summer from Juventus and whilst he has made a goalscoring impact, the 36-year-old has been subject to heavy criticism over his lack of pressing in games.
Some have even questioned whether playing Ronaldo affects United as a team and if they would be better off not having him in the team.
Ronaldo returned to the starting line-up for the Red Devils’ game against Arsenal on Thursday after being named amongst the substitutes in their previous game against Chelsea. He scored twice in the 3-2 win – his 800th and 801st goals in his career.
Evra defends Ronaldo.
Evra, a former teammate of Ronaldo, doesn’t understand why so many are quick to criticise Ronaldo and say that new interim manager Ralf Rangnick – who Evra admits he ‘isn’t excited about’ will have a huge impact on how the Portugal international will fit in.
“The manager will have an important role in the situation of Cristiano,” Evra said on Amazon Prime ahead of the match.
“I remember Sir Alex Ferguson when [Robin] Van Persie came in and he was always injured, so he brought all of us together and said ‘guys, Robin won’t be training with us every single day, but he’s going to win the league for us.
“That’s why I don’t understand this debate about Cristiano not pressing.
Patrice @Evra doesn't understand why Cristiano Ronaldo is getting criticism… 🗣#PLonPrime #MUNARS pic.twitter.com/PMKzUMzte7
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 2, 2021
“That’s when it’s down to the manager but I don’t understand why we already debate about Cristiano.
“I love what Thierry [Henry] just said, why don’t we talk about things he’s doing? Not things he can’t do.
“If I am the manager, personally I want him to score goals and then the rest of the team adapt.”
A win for United against Arsenal will take them to within two points of the Gunners in front of new manager Rangnick, who is in the stands watching on.
