Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in Manchester United’s 3-2 Champions League triumph against Atalanta on Wednesday, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, addressed many criticisms of his contribution to the club.
Ronaldo scored the game-winning goal in the 81st minute with a stunning header, maintaining his perfect scoring record in Group F after three games.
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However, Solskjaer took aim at those who questioned if the Portuguese striker, the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer, put forth enough effort for his team.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic goalkeeper. Watch this game if you want to criticize him for his effort and work-rate. Keep an eye on how he moves about “remarked the Norwegian
“We encouraged him to run the channels, drop in, and press more because we were at home, and I was really happy with how he led the line.
“He was even back in his own six-yard box, blocking and defending, and you could see him racing at the finish.
“He accomplished everything a centre-forward should do, including leading the line and defending, and, of course, scoring goals,” he said.
So far this season, Ronaldo has six goals in eight appearances for United in all competitions.
Solskjaer, who came under fire following his side’s 4-2 loss to Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday, complimented his team’s mentality despite going into halftime two goals behind.
“I thought we played well, but they got a goal off a set piece and then another goal from nothing. But they never gave up hope and continued going “he stated
After the criticism of the weekend showing, Solskjaer sneered at the notion that the players had proven they were playing for him.
“Don’t belittle the players. They play for Manchester United and are well aware that they are among the luckiest individuals on the planet “he stated
“They are the luckiest men in the planet tonight because they will be playing for Manchester United. That is what millions of young boys and girls aspire to achieve.”
Credit: espn