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Cristiano Ronaldo re-signed for Manchester United last summer but it has not been a particularly happy home-coming for the Portuguese legend. The Red Devils swooped in for the superstar after there were rumors about a potential move to rivals Manchester City. Although they beat their nemisis to the signing of the centre-forward, they have not been able to bring the best out of him.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not the main man at Manchester United anymore
During his first stint at the club, Ronaldo defied expectations and became arguably the best footballer on the planet. He would have loved to do the same a second time round, but for one reason or another things have not clicked for him. Meanwhile, other players have stepped up to the plate to rescue Manchester United from dire situations.
On that note, let us take a look at five players who are more important to Manchester United than Ronaldo.
#5 Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw is quickly becoming one of the most reliable members of the Manchester United squad. The Englishman arrived from Southampton in 2014 but struggled with injuries for the better part of four years. He had a great campaign last term, which ended with him scoring in the 2020 Euros final, albeit England went on to lose it on penalties.
Regardless, everyone expected Shaw to kick on from there. Although he has picked up multiple injuries this season, he has continued to put up good performances as a full-back.
He was one of the few players with some defensive resilience under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He has then been used as a versatile option under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
While his clean sheet record is not pretty, the English international has done his job admirably. Even going forward, he has racked up three assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.
Even on his worst days Shaw has produced 7/10 performances, and is currently more important to Manchester United than Ronaldo.
#4 Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is currently one of the most lively wingers at Manchester United. Since being promoted to the first team under Louis van Gaal, he has bounced around in a number of positions. But his attacking efficiency has rarely had a dip.
After Rangnick was appointed in November, it did take time for Rashford to adjust to the new system but he has done well in recent weeks.
Out of all the attackers at the club, he is one of the very few who manages to get past his man. He is also starting to get into the right position at the right time, thereby becoming the most effective attacker in the team. Although he only has six goal involvements in 18 games this season, it feels as though he could have a stellar second half campaign.
Ronaldo is one of the best in the world but Rashford is currently providing more value to this side.
#3 Raphael Varane
Great defenders are currently a rare sight in world football but Raphael Varane certainly makes the cut for it. The France international left Real Madrid for the Old Trafford outfit last summer as United looked to challenge for the biggest trophies.
But Varane has been bogged down by injuries for a large part of his career at Manchester United. When he has been there, he has been the best defender without a doubt.
His guile, experience and tactical nous are far greater than that of Harry Maguire. Meanwhile Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly also appear to have a mistake in them.
Moreover, the 28-year-old centre-back is a complete package of pace and power while he is also excellent aerially. The 13-time Premier League champions also look far more comfortable when he is one of two or three centre-backs.
Given the dearth of quality of players in his role, Varane holds more importance in the team when compared to somebody like Ronaldo. The Portuguese ace often delivers goals but the frontline has several others who can do the same at the moment.
#2 Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is one of the best players in the Premier League and arguably the best outfield player at Manchester United. The playmaker arrived at Old Trafford in January 2020 and has been sensational for the club since then.
The 27-year-old star was not expected to hit the ground running, but he played a major role in the rebuild under Solskjaer. While Rangnick has not played the Portuguese midfielder much, Fernandes has produced when his side have needed him to do so.
Additionally, his energy, drive and willingness to continuously work hard for the greater good has made him a fan favorite at the club. Fernandes has scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 29 appearances in all competitions this season. He is the the most productive forward at the club.
The Red Devils appear bereft of ideas without Fernandes on the pitch. He is currently more valuable to his side than his national team-mate and captain, Ronaldo.
#1 David de Gea
David de Gea and Ronaldo single-handedly saved Solskjaer's managerial job in the first three months of the current campaign. The centre-forward was potent going forward and the shot-stopper was just as formidable at the back.
But in the last three months, De Gea has continued to prove his importance while Ronaldo is nowhere near his best.
The Spanish goalkeeper has rekindled excellent form this season. His reflexes and diving saves have been nothing short of rescue-material for the club. Had it not been for the 31-year-old goalkeeper, things would have been a lot worse at Old Trafford.
Dean Henderson is a big competition for De Gea but the former Atletico Madrid star has not put a foot wrong all season. Moreover, given the porus defense in front of him, he has been called into action far too many times this term.
Ronaldo may prove his worth by the end of the campaign, but for now, De Gea is the best player at Manchester United.
