'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Without a doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United has to be one of the best transfers that has taken place this summer. The return was desperately awaited and long overdue.
Ronaldo will have to deal with some of the changes from his first spell at United.
It is safe to say that when Ronaldo played and left for Real Madrid during his first stint at United, things were drastically different. A lot has changed with the Red Devils ever since he left 12 years ago. We look at some of the major changes he would be experiencing at United right now.
#5 Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
VAR has been implemented in the Premier League since the 2019-20 season. Ever since its implementation, the technology has received a good amount of criticism. That being said, there are still things that are experimented on a trial and error basis with the technology.
Ronaldo is quite familiar with VAR technology, having experienced it at both the domestic and international level. His first stint at United saw the Portuguese being fouled more than often given his exquisite dribbling skills and nimble footwork. Had the VAR technology been available back then, it would have surely helped his cause.
#4 United isn't the same dominant team
Back then, when Ronaldo joined United in 2003, United had a different aura about them than what they are right now. Teams used to fear the possibility of facing United, let alone it happening at Old Trafford. United were amongst the strongest title contenders almost every season. Not only that, United were the frontrunners to win domestic and European competitions too.
Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 as United's manager, United have struggled to be one of the strongest teams it used to be. Disappointingly, United have only won five trophies in the last eight seasons. Currently, teams strongly rate their chances of beating United, especially at Old Trafford. United's away form has been impeccable though
United have lost their dominance and although things have improved recently, Ronaldo will have to give his best to help United regain their dominance. Winning trophies is the only way Manchester United can impose their dominance in the near future. With a serial winner like Cristiano Ronaldo, he can surely be of help in this context.
#3 Opposition and Challenges
It is not easy to unsettle Ronaldo but the Premier League is evolving season after season and the teams are only getting smarter with time. During Ronaldo's first stint, it was not that the opposition was weaker, but the tactics and game plans weren't as effective as they are now. The league is only getting tougher with teams defending deep and counter-attacking effectively.
The most recent example is of Brentford, who have been promoted this season. Their first match ended in a 2-0 win against Arsenal. These are just many of the examples available. Leicester City were promoted to the top division in the 2014-15 season and the following season itself they went on to win the Premier League.
Point being, the game play of the opposition has drastically improved over the years and that no opposition can be underestimated anymore in the league. Ronaldo will have to be very sharp and smart with his approach varying from opposition to opposition.
#2 The absence of Sir Alex Ferguson
It is no secret that Sir Alex Ferguson was the one who scouted Ronaldo's talent and brought him to Manchester United. Sir Alex played a massive role in getting the best out of Ronaldo and making him the player he is today. The relationship between the two has been that of a father and a son.
Now that Sir Alex has retired, the same approach cannot be expected of current manager Solskjaer. Ronaldo and Solskjaer have known each other since their earlier days at United. It is going to be interesting to see how two of Sir Alex's students go about their respective jobs.
#1 The rise of the blue side of Manchester
Ever since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group in 2008, Manchester City have become a very prominent team in Europe. The takeover helped immensely in bringing in world class players and top managers, who eventually helped City win trophies.
During Ronaldo's first stint at United, City used to struggle with relegation and promotion time and again. It was never a familiar sight for Ronaldo to be among the title contenders but now the scenario has drastically changed. City have won the league five times in the last ten years. City have also been successful in winning other domestic trophies and this is something Ronaldo has never seen.
Reports suggest that Ronaldo was close to joining City this summer before he turned them down and rejoined United. With that scenario, it is going to be an entertaining affair when the two sides meet the next time.
