In the wake of Man United's 2-2 stalemate at Old Trafford against Leeds United, there was something about that night fans and critics might have missed about the Red Devils after they pegged back the visitors from 2 goals down.
Cristiano Ronaldo questioned Manchester United's mindset in January 2022. The Portuguese forward specifically mentioned the top three teams in the Premier League at that time, implying that the team needed a better attitude to compete at the top of the table.
One year later, Erik ten Hag's Red Devils are the only team in the top division still in contention on all four fronts, with a chance to win both the league and the cup this season. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo sought for a transfer throughout the summer, and after his contentious interview, he finally left last November.
There was a broad understanding that Ten Hag could need some time to turn around the club's fortunes after Man United's disastrous start to the season, which included losses to both Brighton and Brentford.
However, the Dutchman has inspired United recently, and the Reds are now in third place in the standings. At Old Trafford, his team is unbeaten in 10 league games and is only two points behind rival Manchester City. Compared to the discouraging months Ralf Rangnick spent with the club, this is a sharp contrast.
Cristiano Ronaldo was questioned by Sky Sports about Manchester United's chances of closing the gap on their rivals last year. He responded sternly, making it plain what he personally thought.
"Impossible - I think it's the main point," he replied. "I don't accept that our mentality be less than being in the top three in the Premier League. I think to build up good things, sometimes you have to destroy a few things. So why not - new year, new life and I hope that Manchester can be the level that the fans want. They deserve that."
"We are capable of changing things now. I know the way but I'm not going to mention it here because I don't think it's ethical on my part to say that."
"What I can say is we can do better - all of us. Manchester belongs to important things, so we have to change that. I don't want to be here to be in sixth place, or seventh place, or fifth place. I'm here to try to win, to compete."
"I think we compete but we are not yet in our best level. But we have a long way to improve and I believe if we change our mind, we can achieve big things," he explained.
Cristiano Ronaldo said he was not willing to accept Manchester United's sixth-place finish at the end of the previous campaign. The team failed to win a trophy once more, and it seemed that Ten Hag would have to do miracles to turn around a team that was underachieving and lacking in self-confidence.
Therefore, given the Red Devils' current position, the Dutchman and his players are well deserving of praise. When they take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley later this month, they will have the opportunity to break their trophy drought, and considering the club's present standing, Champions League qualification should be achieved.
The Red Devils' 2-2 draw with Leeds on Wednesday night was disappointing, particularly because Ten Hag's team had the opportunity to close the gap on the Magpies. However, the fact that the Red Devils were able to recover from being down to draw the game demonstrates the players' improved mentality. The fact that they are currently struggling to draw matches demonstrates how far they have come.
Old Trafford has turned into a fortress under Erik Ten Hag, much like it did for many years under Sir Alex Ferguson. Ronaldo was right to question it last year, despite the fact that he did not want to be a part of the transformation this season, as evidenced by the mentality displayed by everyone associated with the club.
Post a Comment