Manchester United's top scorer in the 2021-22 season was Cristiano Ronaldo, but John Barnes believes the Red Devils would have had a better season without him.
Cristiano Ronaldo's effect at Old Trafford
Cristiano Ronaldo's effect at Old Trafford has been slammed by John Barnes.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of producing "disunity" and "disharmony" at Manchester United, as well as being a player who "does it for himself."
Ronaldo concluded the season as Manchester United's leading scorer, with 18 Premier League goals, putting him in third place overall. United, though, would have been a greater team without the five-time Ballon D'Or winner, according to John Barnes.
"He (Ronaldo) generates discord and disharmony," Barnes, who won two league titles with Liverpool and was twice awarded Footballer of the Year, remarked. When the ball does not come to him, he raises his hands in the air... isn't that an excellent example? Manchester United's harmony is an issue, and who is to blame for it? He (Ronaldo) walks around as if... 'it's up to them, I'm just doing my job.'
"A leader does not do it; someone who does it for himself does." Fans adore him, and when things don't go his way, he says things like, "It's not my fault." That is not the point of a team.So, we all know how amazing Ronaldo has done, but would you rather have no one scoring 20 goals a season and United finishing higher?
"If they had a better TEAM, I believe they would be further up." If the team's harmony improves, Ronaldo will not score as many goals, but the team will be stronger and win more matches."
United had a poor season, finishing sixth after another defeat on the last day, this time to Crystal Palace. At the request of mortified players, they even dropped their end-of-season prizes. And Barnes places some of the responsibility for several players' poor performances on Ronaldo.
Manchester United failed to finish in the top four despite Cristiano Ronaldo's goals.
"He (Ronaldo) detracts from other players," he continued. (Marcus) Rashford, (Bruno) Fernandes, and (Jadon) Sancho would have had a stronger season if they hadn't been injured. It is the fault of whoever signed Ronaldo."
Barnes was appearing on a William Hill end-of-season podcast, and his views on Ronaldo were challenged by Robbie Savage, whose son, Charlie, had just signed a new contract at Old Trafford.
"He's fantastic with kids," Savage remarked. "Everyone looks up to him; he's a role model for any child." He's a terrific role model for my son. And if (Raphael) Varane and Sancho, as well as other players, had contributed as much as Ronaldo, Manchester United would have qualified for the Champions League and possibly challenged for the title."
Barnes, on the other hand, is skeptical, believing that if Ronaldo finishes his contract, incoming manager Erik ten Hag will struggle to lead the squad ahead. "Would United be a better team without Ronaldo?" Barnes wondered. They would, I believe. Do you believe they'll be better next season if Ronaldo stays? "There's no way!"
blogpay
Total Comments: 0