5 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should captain Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United was expected to have a massive impact on the club's season. While the Portuguese has had a productive time so far, United have been struggling overall.

Manchester United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, nine points away from the top. It is surely not a good sign considering how the club needs to get back to winning ways.

Cristiano Ronaldo should be the leader at Manchester United

There are quite a few things wrong at Manchester United right now and it needs to be sorted step by step. The criticism aimed at the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does hold credit but the character and performance shown by the players on the pitch is also questionable.

United need a player to lead the players on and off the pitch and there is no one better suited for it than Cristiano Ronaldo. His love and passion for Manchester United is unquestionable and if the same is passed on to his team-mates, the fight for the badge will only become stronger. On that note, let's take a look at five reasons why Ronaldo deserves the captain's armband at Manchester United:

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#5 Harry Maguire struggling

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League

Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's management, Harry Maguire was named the captain of Manchester United. The English defender did a fair job last season but has had his struggles lately.

There is no doubt about the capabilities Maguire possesses at the back. He's strong, commanding in the air and can read the game well. He can also play the ball out well from the back in building up the play.

However, Maguire looks out of form now, especially after returning from his injury, and is surely not helping United's cause. With Solskjaer likely to face the boot sooner or later, it might be best to relieve the Englishman from his duties and allow Cristiano Ronaldo to take over.

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#4 Captain for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal v Netherlands - UEFA Nations League Final

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a legend at both club and national level. Despite not being a regular captain at club level, he has worn the armband for the Portuguese national team for almost thirteen years now.

The former Real Madrid player knows and understands the importance of being a true leader. He has time and again shown it with Portugal by setting an example with his inspirational performances. One of the best examples was during the Euro 2016 final when he had to be subbed off early in the game. Despite his absence on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo rallied his troops from the sidelines to register a triumph in the tournament.

That's how strong his spirits are and Cristiano Ronaldo surely knows how to motivate his fellow team-mates. His experience with the national team will help him immensely to lead Manchester United and hopefully bring a lot of success with time.

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo knows the club in and out

Barcelona v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Final

Cristiano Ronaldo first signed for Manchester United in 2003 under Sir Alex Ferguson from Sporting Lisbon. Back then, the Portuguese superstar was just a young lad taking his next step in his football career.

Under Ferguson's guidance, the former Sporting winger developed into one of the finest players. It was an invaluable experience for Cristiano Ronaldo. During his first tenure with Manchester United, he was able to learn about the club in and out. The six years not only brought success to Ronaldo but made him an integral part of the club.

It is the same passion and love for the club that still helps him give his best. Given how Cristiano Ronaldo is well aware of the expectations and standards at Manchester United, making him the leader will only help the team.

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#2 Elite Mentality

Manchester United v Villarreal CF: Group F - UEFA Champions League

The one aspect that has always separated Cristiano Ronaldo from his competitors is his never give up attitude. Despite his success, the Portuguese is well aware of the struggles the game can give you.

But his strong and elite mentality has always allowed him to surpass the most difficult of situations. Cristiano Ronaldo is not just an ordinary player, he leads from the front and leads by example. In the short duration so far in his second spell at Manchester United, the former Real Madrid forward has already shown how he leads on the pitch.

In UEFA Champions League matches against both Villarreal at home and Atalanta away, Manchester United were in dire need of a goal. In the dying minutes of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and scored the winner and equalizer respectively. Goals or no goals, Ronaldo surely has a winning mentality and having a leader of that quality will dearly help Manchester United's cause.

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#1 Manchester United need a respected leader

Manchester United v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Harry Maguire has led the team well in the limited time he has been captain of Manchester United. That being said, United have seen some drastic dip in form and in times like these, experience from the leader comes in handy.

Unfortunately, the Englishman's form hasn't been too helpful and it is in such times that his experience as captain comes into question. Along with that, the respect from his fellow team-mates comes under scrutiny given the trend of results. On the other hand, a player like Cristiano Ronaldo would not face such an issue given his legendary stature.

He's not only heavily respected by his team-mates but is even considered an idol by many. Cristiano Ronaldo is a born leader and champion. Even in such difficult times, he has given in performances where he has rescued Manchester United to a win or at least a draw. This is the kind of leader United need right now, which is why no time should be wasted in giving the armband to Cristiano Ronaldo.