Having Cristiano Ronaldo back in the Premier League has increased the excitement factor and should make this one of the most thrilling title races in years.
While fans of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea were gutted to hear that Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, had returned to the league, it’s only upped the ante.
As a Liverpool fan myself, I’m not Ronaldo’s biggest fan but I’m a football fan first and as a lover of the Premier League, it’s great to see the Portuguese back in England.
I’m hoping it ends in tears for him and Manchester United fans as I’ve wasted no time telling my friends but his display in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United suggests a title could finally be on its way to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo scored a brace and while the first goal was a fortunate one due to the rebound from Mason Greenwood’s shot, the second goal came about from his world-class movement, explosive pace and pinpoint finishing.
My only reason to be happy was that I have him in my FPL team and I regret not making him captain even though Mohamed Salah still earned me decent points with his MOTM display at Elland Road against Leeds United.
The interesting thing about Ronaldo returning to England is that at 36, he won’t be able to play every league game while also starting every Champions League game for Manchester United.
He might be a freak of nature as far as his physique is concerned and he’s always been famous for taking very good care of his body but the intensity in England is far different to Italy and Spain.
Yet, with Ronaldo hungry for goals and looking to win a second Balon d’Or with United, he will want to top the goalscoring charts in every competition he plays in.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be more than aware of the risks of overplaying a 36-year-old and so it’s going to be very fascinating to watch the power dynamic between player and manager play out this season.
Ronaldo commands any dressing room he’s in but Ole will need to maintain his position as the leader at United otherwise things will be primed to go horribly wrong if he’s made to look weak in front of a squad now blessed with winners like Raphael Varane.
For the casual Premier League consumer, Ronaldo’s return is the best news the league has received in recent years but for Man Utd’s rivals, it’s bad news…
