It proved to be another frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo as he couldn't help Manchester United avoid a shock 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
The 37-year-old was handed a rare start by Erik ten Hag after being named on the bench for the Red Devils' previous four Premier League matches. They picked up a maximum of 12 points from those games, having beaten Liverpool and Arsenal in the process.
Ronaldo was recalled to the starting XI alongside club captain Harry Maguire, who was also dropped following their thumping 4-0 defeat at Brentford. Fred, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro and Anthony Elanga were also thrown into the side by the United boss as he made six changes from the win over the Gunners last weekend.
However, the much-changed United side were unable to produce the goods as they slumped to a narrow defeat at Old Trafford, thanks to Brais Mendez's controversial second-half penalty. It is Ronaldo that has took most of the criticism following the game, though, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner slammed for his performance on his Europa League debut after 19 successive years in the Champions League.
A compilation doing the rounds on social media of Ronaldo's display against Sociedad sees the forward missing a number of excellent chances. He has been slammed by supporters for his lack of sharpness in front of goal, with some calling for him to retire.
The Portuguese superstar wasted a golden chance in the opening few minutes to give United the lead. Diogo Dalot's pass somehow made its way through to Ronaldo but the forward didn't have the pace to burst past the Sociedad defence and was tackled in the nick of time before he could get a shot away.
Moments later, Christian Eriksen played an expertly-weighted ball into Ronaldo's path, however, he was unable to bring the ball down and fire an effort at goal as Sociedad defended well once again. There is no doubt a prime Ronaldo would have controlled that to perfection and scored in that position, especially during his time at Real Madrid.
It seems as though Ronaldo has lost his ways this season and he doesn't look as sharp as last term. Maybe the lack of pre-season could have effected him, or his failed push for a transfer, but he has not been the same player who scored 24 goals last season. Ronaldo thought he gave United the lead in the 35th minute, though.
Dalot's cross was met by the veteran and he headed the ball beyond Remiro Gargallo and into the back of the net via the crossbar. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, providing some frustration amongst the United faithful as Ronaldo was denied his first of the season.
Ronaldo then missed arguably his best chance just after half-time. He met a superb cross from the right side by Bruno Fernandes, but couldn't steer his effort on target from eight yards. Granted he was under pressure by defenders, but Ronaldo should be doing better in that position - and at least hitting the target.
With United chasing the game, Ten Hag decided to put five attack-minded players on the pitch at once and it made space hard to come by for Ronaldo with Sociedad defending so deep. Ronaldo only had one more clear chance and that came on 86 minutes. Sancho pulled the ball back for his teammate, who took a touch and tumbled to the floor. He claimed for a penalty but nothing was given.
It wasn't Ronaldo's best performance and one United supporter compared it to Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian struggled for form during his time at United. He has since helped Inter Milan to the Serie A title before moving to Chelsea for £97million in 2021. This was a short-lived spell, however, with Lukaku re-joining Inter in the summer.
One supporter compared it to Lukaku and said on Reddit: "Those first touches are giving me Lukaku PTSD flashbacks."
Another added: "Really feel like he’s starting to look his age now, his stamina also seems to be an issue."
One continued: "He ain’t gonna be starting prem games anytime soon. We are just no longer suited to his style of play."
The most-reacted comment read: "He takes up good positions but is too slow to react once the ball comes to him. The mind is there but the body isn’t following anymore."
But Ronaldo will no doubt want to improve and force his way back into the United side before the World Cup. The Red Devils are next expected to be back in action on Thursday night when they take on Sheriff in the Europa League as they look to bounce back.
