Manchester United have said there is a big problem with the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo

[ad_1]

Paul Merson believes re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United will block some of the club’s brightest talent.

Ronaldo made a dramatic return to the squad he left in 2009, signing from Juventus on a €15m (£12.9m) summer transfer deal in a two-year deal with a third option.

Having recovered the No. 7 jersey from Edinson Cavani, Ronaldo is likely to make his home debut on September 11 against Newcastle United.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to lead United’s attack for most matches under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

But with the teenage Mason Greenwood who started the 2021/22 season playing a pivotal role in Solskjaer’s favorite 4-2-3-1 system, scoring three goals in three games, Merson argues the England striker could be a victim of the Portuguese captain’s arrival.

Read more related articles Read more related articles

So do Anthony Elanga and Shula Schretter, two academy graduates who made their first-team debut at the end of last season and were impressed by the limited playing time they received.

Ilanga scored his goal in only his second debut with the first team, last season’s 2-1 win over Wolverhampton, and found the net with a superb finish against Brentford in the pre-season.

Imad Traore was scheduled to go out on loan to Dutch club Feyenoord, but this was canceled at the last minute due to the winger’s thigh injury.

Select United’s strongest XI after the transfer window using our tool:

Dan James has been sold to Leeds United for £25m despite starting two of United’s three pre-season games this season.

While Merson admits that the next generation of superstars will benefit from watching Ronaldo in training and during matches, they are likely to remain on the bench due to his arrival.

He said in the Daily Star column: “The kids at United have to learn from him. If you can’t learn from a player like this, you have a problem.

“But they will also have less time to play because of it, and is it good for their development? I just say what I see.”

Read more related articles Read more related articles.

[ad_2]