Cristiano Ronaldo may have returned to Manchester United in 2021, 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid. Still, the club’s caretaker boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has admitted that the decision “felt right but was wrong.” Solskjaer has revealed that he believes the addition of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner brought in too many big-name players who didn’t fit his system and led to the team’s decline.
The Norwegian replaced Jose Mourinho on an interim basis in December 2018, and after a series of impressive results, his appointment was made permanent in March 2019. He resurrected United’s fortunes by taking them to third place and securing Champions League qualification next season. However, the club’s form deteriorated, and after a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford saw Solskjaer sacked just four months later.
Solskjaer’s comments have come when reports have suggested Ronaldo could leave the club this summer and join rivals Manchester City. The five-times world player of the year is currently a free agent, having rejected a move to Qatar in favor of a new contract with Juventus. And, despite having stated that he would never play for Manchester City, the club is keen to pursue a deal for Ronaldo in the final days of the transfer window.
Speaking ahead of United’s trip to Wolves on Sunday, Solskjaer was effusive in his praise for the Portugal forward. He told reporters:
“Cristiano is a legend of this club. He is one of the greatest players ever played here, if not the best. He’s an incredible role model for the youngsters.”
Solskjaer was asked about the former United man’s future at Old Trafford after having sparked talk of a possible Ronaldo reunion. He confirmed he was a fan of the 36-year-old but admitted that signing him was a mistake.
He continued: “The arrival of Cristiano was an error because the way we wanted to play didn’t suit him. He had his ideas and wasn’t always in tune with how we played. That was his biggest weakness.”
With the news that United is looking to appoint a new manager, they will likely turn their attention to Luis Enrique. The Spaniard, who won a treble with Barcelona in 2015, is believed to be interested in the job and is understood to have the backing of Ronaldo. Whether or not a deal can be struck will ultimately depend on whether the pair can find common ground in their ambitions for the club. CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news.
