Louis Saha claims that if Cristiano Ronaldo was still on the team, Manchester United would not have conceded seven goals to their bitter rivals Liverpool.
The ex-United striker asserted that Ronaldo, who quit Old Trafford in November following an angry television interview in which he attacked Erik ten Hag, would not have permitted the team to submit so easily. After criticizing Ten Hag and United in the interview, Ronaldo had his contract terminated amicably and joined the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, leaving him with no means to return.
Prior to the Liverpool disaster, United had lost just once in 22 games after Roaldo’s departure, but Saha asserted that Sunday’s thrashing at Anfield might not have been as brutal if the 38-year-old striker had still been in charge of the attack.
Saha stated that Ronaldo’s departure provided United with a new beginning. Ten Hag was able to build a winning culture at the club because he had a clean slate to work with. I believe the team would be performing even better if they had Cristiano up top now that the club’s attitude has improved.
Of course, it’s difficult to say for sure, but as I watch United lose to Liverpool 7-0, I can’t help but wonder whether Ronaldo could have made a difference.
Saha, who spent four years playing alongside Ronaldo at United, admitted that the team had improved since he left, but he insisted that Ronaldo should be given credit for helping to turn around his former team.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United after falling out with Erik ten Hag and slamming him in an interview
Saha said on Compare.bet, “You cannot deny the significant difference in United’s form since Ronaldo left, with all due respect to Cristiano’s legacy and his record at United, which more or less speaks for itself. But, Erik ten Hag had a very challenging scenario to handle when he arrived at United, and things didn’t turn out well.
“But, I don’t believe Ronaldo is to blame; rather, I believe the other players’ attitudes are to blame. Maybe a compromise might have been reached with the correct level of respect and dialogue.
But because of the impact he had on the men around him, he still played a part in United’s comeback. He increased player confidence and allowed them to express themselves freely, which has greatly contributed to United’s development this year.
Erik ten Hag missed Cristiano Ronaldo during Manchester United’s defeat at Liverpool, Louis Saha suspects
When United hosts Real Betis for the opening leg of their Europa League round of 16 match, they will be seeking for an immediate response to the Liverpool debacle. Betis, who are currently in fifth place in La Liga, held league leaders Real Madrid to a scoreless draw over the weekend and will probably be difficult for United to defeat.
Casemiro and Raphael Varane, who were both members of Los Blancos, are believed to have both sustained knocks during the humiliating loss to Liverpool, which has caused United to worry about their health.
Although Anthony Martial is not anticipated to make a comeback, Victor Lindelof, who was forced to miss the Liverpool game due to a minor injury, could play. Other absentees include Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek, the former of whom is sidelined until at least April and the latter for the entire season.