The former United icon believes the Red Devils are more powerful in counter-attack without the Ballon d’Or five times.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence against Manchester City is not a “big loss” for United. Anyway, that’s what Gary Neville thinks, who thinks Marcus Rashford is more dangerous when the team is essentially counter-attacking.
Premier League leaders Manchester City host their arch-rivals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the end of the 2021-22 season approaching. City are looking for three points to move away from Liverpool in the title race, while United need to win to enhance their chances in the Champions League, but the guests will lose without top scorer Ronaldo.
do not miss
goal He revealed that the Portuguese striker will not be part of Rangnick’s squad due to injury. Since Edinson Cavani is also unavailable, young Ilanga has been selected to play in attack alongside Jadon Sancho.
“MU is more effective on the counter-attack without Ronaldo”
Neville, who won eight league titles at Old Trafford between 1992 and 2011, believes Ronaldo’s absence could actually be in Manchester United’s favour. ‘Manchester United will play against’the legend of the Red Devils said to Sky Sports before the start of the match. “Over the last three or four years here, especially under Ole, United have been a counter-attacking team, and were really comfortable at the back before they got the better of Rashford and the others. I think it’s going to be exactly the same today.”
“Not having Ronaldo in the squad, I can’t say that’s positive, but I don’t see it as a huge loss as in other matches. In fact, I think United on the counter-attack should be dangerous today and they are better off with Rashford on the counter-attack.” More than Ronaldo. An opinion that coach Ralf Rangnick should not share, since the England international was initially left on the bench.
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford last summer, 11 years after leaving for Real Madrid. United spent 23 million euros to snatch the five-time Ballon d’Or from Juventus. The Portuguese genius became a local legend during his first spell at Manchester, scoring over 100 goals while helping the Red Devils win three English Premier League and Champions League titles, but he didn’t have the same impact during his second spell at the club.
