Cristiano Ronaldo will leave a huge void to be filled at Old Trafford, but that’s not to say that some players wouldn’t feel the benefit of the veteran goalscorer leaving the club.
While Ronaldo did score goals upon his Manchester United return, his second spell at the club didn’t exactly go to plan. He scored 27 goals in 54 appearances but ultimately failed to win any silverware.
Things took a turn for the worse at the start of this season until everything boiled over in a dramatic departing interview from the 37-year-old.
However there are quite some stand out players who might benefit from the GOAT departure from Manchester United
There has been plenty of debate over Rashford’s best position. Under Erik ten Hag, he has predominantly played through the middle and on the left-hand side.
Ten Hag explained last month that his best position “is the number nine or coming in from the left,” as he told the official club website. Without Ronaldo filling the number nine role, Rashford will be given more of a license to act as United’s main outlet.
While the finger can’t be pointed at Ronaldo, it has to be said that Rashford’s worst season in front of goal did come last season while United were primarily concerned with getting the best out of the Portuguese forward.
Rashford thrives in a quick dynamic system where he is able to get in behind and make clever darting runs past defenders. With Ronaldo now out of the picture, we could see Rashford’s performances continue to pick up. He’s even scoring Ronaldo-esque headers these days.
I think the entire team is going to benefit from Ronaldo’s departure. Bruno, Rashford, Sancho, Antony, actually everyone is going to shine and enjoy the game henceforth. Most of all, Erik ten Hag will be able to operate and shape up his strategy to turn around Man Utd direction, the most difficult job and challenge taken up by him. He will have one less thing to worry about pleasing star players and handle their attitude, antics and the resulting team dynamics.
Hoping to see Erik ten Hag at works with no management interference.
It has long been debated whether or not Fernandes and Ronaldo can thrive together in the same system. While they have had their moments together, the stats prove they are better without one another.
Prior to Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford, Fernandes was the main man at Old Trafford. He scored 28 goals in the 2020–21 season and was one of the most prolific midfielders in Europe.
His output dropped to just 10 goals last season as United changed their approach to accommodate Ronaldo. Even this season Fernandes has not scored for United while Ronaldo has been on the pitch.
Marcus Rashford has been dropped to the bench for their match against wolves due to ‘internal disciplinary’ reasons, claims Erik Ten Hag.
Speaking on BT Sport, United legend Paul Scholes said: 'It’s difficult to know, could be lateness. Ten Hag is really honest.
'Rashford is in the form of his life but for him to stick by his guns like he has done, we’ll see if it’s the right decision after the game.
'If players respond to this type of decision with respect, if you step out of line you will be punished, that can only be positive for the dressing room.
‘This changing room has probably needed that bit of hardness and discipline. He’s cold and concise - you will like and respect and appreciate that in the dressing room.’
