Game one without Cristiano Ronaldo (37)!
Big farewell gestures? none. Instead, Manchester United only publishes an ice-cold 81-word message in their own stadium booklet. The Portuguese world star is not recognized any further.
The United stars on the pitch show that it can also be done without him. In the end, the “Red Devils” won 2-0 once morest the leaders of the second English division, FC Burnley, thanks to two World Cup drivers.
Anyone who thought Cristiano Ronaldo would get another proper farewell from Manchester United was disappointed in the League Cup Round of 16 once morest Burnley. Instead, the club only published a brief message in its stadium newspaper, United Review.
It read: “Cristiano Ronaldo left the club last month by mutual consent. The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals in 436 appearances over his two visits and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Ronaldo was also crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2008.”
And further: “In a statement on November 22, the club thanked Cristiano for his immense commitment and wished him and his family all the best for the future.”
Pretty chilling news overall given what Ronaldo has done for United. Before the start of the 2022 World Cup, the top striker Manchester United and coach Erik ten Hag (52) had heavily criticized in an interview with Piers Morgan. As a result, both sides agreed to terminate the contract.
In the first game following CR7’s departure, the superstar was not missed. United won 2-0 once morest Burnley with goals from World Cup drivers Christian Eriksen (27th) and Marcus Rashford (57th).
This puts the Red Devils in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. Only substitute goalkeeper Martin Dubravka caused excitement, who almost produced an own goal twice in the first half (37th/38th), but got away with the horror.