Cristiano Ronaldo gave a defiant message to Manchester United fans after their 3-0 win over Brentford on Monday night – telling them ‘I’m not finished’.
The 37-year-old was on target against the Bees, netting from the penalty spot to secure his 24th goal of the campaign since sealing a fairytale return to Old Trafford from Juventus last summer.
The decision to bring Ronaldo back to the club has divided fans and pundits. He has left some infuriated over his temperament and attitude – storming off the pitch after some defeats and recently slapping a mobile phone out of a young fan’s hand.
But on the pitch his quality has largely done the talking, netting 18 goals in the Premier League despite heading towards his forties; and despite some reports that the Portuguese superstar could leave the club this summer, he sent out a firm signal that his work was not done at United.
At full time against Thomas Frank’s men, Ronaldo joined in with the lap of honour after the final home game of the season and clapped fans as he walked towards the Stretford End, smiling and waving at supporters who had stayed behind.
He then glanced at the camera and yelled ‘I’m not finished’ and then let out a laugh as he continued his lap of honour.
With incoming boss Erik ten Hag set to leave Ajax and take up the United job this summer, one of his biggest decisions will be the future of Ronaldo, who may not fit in with his ethos and playing style.
Ten Hag has historically played energetic, passing football with young players, so Ronaldo’s future will have a question mark over it given that he turns 38 next year.
Some pundits have criticised United’s decision to bring back Ronaldo, accusing them of making a romantic gesture to fans and one that would benefit the club commercially rather than a logical choice that would suit the team tactically.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher said the signing made United look like a ‘small club’.
‘My problem has always been with Man United for buying Cristiano Ronaldo,’ he said after their win against Brentford. ‘One of the biggest clubs in the world should not be buying a 37-year-old.
‘I’ve always been of the opinion that they should move him on, but right now, there are so many problems – “I need to get a midfielder, I need to get a centre-back.” We’ve seen this season that when Ronaldo doesn’t play or gets brought off, it’s a massive story.
‘If you bring in strikers, are they to play or back up Ronaldo? If you’re the new manager, you might think you don’t need that on your plate.
‘They’ve got other problems. Would Liverpool bring back Luis Suarez? I don’t think so. United should be getting Erling Haaland. Man City are getting him.
‘It’s like United are a small club. It’s like when Rooney went back to Everton. It was just to lift the fans.’
Source: Daily Mail UK