Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane have clashed over the merits of Manchester United signing Cristiano Ronaldo at the start of the season.
Ronaldo is United’s top scorer this campaign, having netted 21 goals in 34 appearances since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus on a free transfer. The 37-year-old striker showed his worth to Ralf Rangnick’s side by scoring a hat-trick– the 60th of his career– in their 3-2 win over Norwich City on Saturday.
He has consistently produced goals when it has mattered most this season, but his overall contribution to the side has been the source of much discussion. To some his goal contribution, experience and professionalism are major assets, while others argue his age and lack of pressing make United unbalanced.
Former United captain Keane believes the negatives outweigh the positives despite the “panic” that led to his arrival in Manchester last summer. "Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it? I still think it was worth the gamble,” he said in a discussion with Carragher for LADbible TV . “The bigger picture, he's not a great signing because of his age and what have you.
“I still think he can bring something to the party, and I think he has. What's gone on around him hasn't been good enough. I think he could have shown more leadership skills, he's been left out and hasn't played all the games, but he's still showed moments. The Tottenham game, some of the European games, it was worth the gamble. It was a panic, it was a panic."
Carragher took a different line of argument, however. He believes that, although Ronaldo is “a legendary figure” and a “great professional”, his body language and leadership skills have left a lot to be desired.
“I've been disappointed with him this season, not with the goals, but it hasn't gone well for United, and I'd like him to be more of a leader,” he explained. “I'm not bothered if he gets the odd goal – his goal record is amazing – it's a legendary figure.
“I just think sometimes, I look back at the Everton game, he was throwing his arm up at players, kicking the ball out at times, we all get frustrated, but I'd love to see him be that guy who lifts the younger players a little bit. I just think that's been lacking."
Carragher went on to compare United re-signing Ronaldo to when Everton brought Wayne Rooney back in 2017 after his best days had gone. “It smacked of where the club was. There was all this fanfare but really everyone knew it wasn't going to push, I knew it wasn't going to push them any closer to the title – they'd finished second the year before,” the former Liverpool defender said.
“When you watch Ronaldo and United's outfield players, he's still been one of the best – if not the best. He's the one who's had four or five moments where you go 'wow'. For Ronaldo to be playing at one of the top European clubs at 37, it's unbelievable.
“For United to buy Ronaldo, I thought it was a joke. It was either a panic because they thought they'd get Ronaldo – whether they were kidded by all the social media stuff, fans at the first game, I thought it was a bit embarrassing."
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