How Cristiano Ronaldo arrival impacts Manchester United academy players – Alex Brotherton

Manchester United have confirmed the sensational return of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Some 12 years after the Portuguese talisman left United for Actual Madrid, Juventus have agreed to promote Ronaldo for 20m euros plus add-ons. Ronaldo agreed private phrases on Friday afternoon and has now accomplished his United medical and it is solely a matter of time earlier than he dons the pink shirt once more.

United followers are understandably enthusiastic about seeing Ronaldo strolling out at Outdated Trafford as soon as once more, however what does this all imply for the younger skills that United have blooded in recent times?

One participant probably impacted by the arrival could possibly be Mason Greenwood.

The 19 yr outdated normally operates both as a striker or as a winger, each positions that Ronaldo will occupy. It is exhausting to see the teenager getting many minutes this season within the wake of Ronaldo’s arrival, and that would critically stunt his progress and improvement as a participant.

However, there isn’t a higher position mannequin in soccer to be taught from than Ronaldo. United’s different kids, similar to Anthony Elanga, would be capable of profit from his arrival.

Ronaldo additionally scored 36 targets in all competitions final season. These are nonetheless spectacular numbers and Greenwood can learn to turn out to be a excessive calibre goalscorer. The early indicators this season are that Greenwood is effectively on his manner.

Nonetheless, one solely has to take a look at Ronaldo’s time at Juventus to see what affect his presence can have on younger expertise. Paulo Dybala was quick turning into a sensation in Turin, however after Ronaldo joined Juve in 2018, the Argentine’s taking part in time dwindled.

With Ronaldo undoubtedly the primary identify on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s teamsheet, the place will the likes of Marcus Rashford and Greenwood slot in? How about Elanga, Shola Shoretire and Hannibal Mejbri who’re all thought-about thrilling attacking prospects on the membership?

Sure, the prospect to signal Ronaldo was too good to show down, and from a supporter-club relations viewpoint the transfer might show a masterstroke. Ronaldo’s targets alone will certainly be sufficient to place United firmly within the title race.

However in two, three, 4 years time, will it have been price it? Would United have been higher served giving youth an opportunity and constructing a workforce for the longer term in addition to the current? They have to make sure the pathways for Greenwood, Elanga et al usually are not blocked. The current information that Elanga could head out on loan earlier than the switch deadline should be seen as a optimistic.

Solely time will inform with the children. However what is definite is that this can be a large gamble for Solskjaer. If United do not win a trophy this season, he will certainly be first within the firing line.

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