Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be suffering from the same fate he endured during his closing days at Manchester United with it being suggested that Portugal are a better side without him.
Fernando Santos’ men opened up their latest World Cup campaign in the perfect fashion on Thursday evening with a 3-2 victory over Ghana. Former Red Devils’ forward Ronaldo gave his country the lead from the penalty spot and in the process became the first male footballer to have scored at five World Cups.
Despite finding the net, the 37-year-old has been the recipient of criticism after the game with claims that Portugal looked to be a better side after Rafael Leao came on to lead the line.
Speaking to RTE, former Liverpool man Didi Hamann said: “Portugal look pedestrian with Ronaldo. I think Leao has got to come into the team because they just lack pace throughout the pitch, and if you haven’t got pace in modern football it’s very hard to create chances from open play.”
That opinion is a similar one that Ronaldo suffered during his closing days as a Man Utd player. The Portuguese never quite earned a starting role under new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag with the two seeming to be on a collision course practically from the off.
The 37-year-old made just 10 starts in all competitions during the first-half of the campaign netting on three occasions in that time. Marcus Rashford was regularly preferred ahead of the Portuguese, with the Red Devils often looking like a better side when Ronaldo was on the sidelines.
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That was an opinion shared by former United defender Gary Neville. Speaking last month, he said: “When you look at whether Cristiano Ronaldo should be selected, which is obviously Cristiano Ronaldo’s main problem at this moment in time, he’s not playing.
“As great a player as he’s been, Manchester United are a better team without him and Erik ten Hag knows that.”
Whilst there was criticism of Ronaldo’s display, he appears highly likely to lead the line for Portugal once again as they attempt to plot a route through to the last-16 of the World Cup. Following their win over Ghana, they take on Uruguay before rounding off their group stage fixtures against South Korea next Friday.
Speaking after making history against Ghana, the forward said: "This was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup,
"We won, we started on our good foot and it is a very important win. The first match is crucial in these tournaments. The first player to score goals at five World Cups, this makes me very proud."
Ronaldo will also hope that his performances in Qatar catch the eye of interested clubs after terminating the remainder of his contract with Man Utd.
