Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of ‘dominating’ one of his Manchester United team-mates during his second stint at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo departed United by mutual agreement in December, following a disappointing end to his time at the club.
The Red Devils legend returned to Old Trafford, to much fanfare, in the summer of 2021, and netted 18 Premier League goals last season. He was also chiefly responsible for the Red Devils topping their Champions League group, scoring six goals.
But United failed to qualify for the Champions League for this season, and reports emerged in the summer that Ronaldo wanted to leave the club.
His form then deteriorated on the pitch under the new management of Erik ten Hag, and he scored only three goals in 16 games before the World Cup break.
Then, after United’s last game before the tournament kicked off, Ronaldo gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan, in which he criticised Erik ten Hag, the Glazer family and club legends such as Wayne Rooney.
Since the World Cup, United have won 11 of their 14 games in all competitions, and sit in third position in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s trip to Leeds.
Ronaldo now plays for Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr, where he netted four goals in a superb display against Al Wehda on Thursday.
Ronaldo accused of ‘dominating’ Man Utd team-mate
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has accused Ronaldo of ‘dominating’ Bruno Fernandes when both players were on the pitch together at Old Trafford.
Fernandes is one of many United players to have been in excellent form since the conclusion of the World Cup, with eight goal contributions in that time.
And Merson believes that Ronaldo’s departure has helped the midfielder.
Speaking ahead of United’s second fixture of their double-header against Leeds this weekend, Merson explained: “Man United have improved since Ronaldo’s left, haven’t they? The other players are starting to express themselves a lot more now.
“[Marcus] Rashford can’t stop scoring. Bruno Fernandes looks like a different player now – I think he got dominated by Ronaldo. That might be an unfair thing to say, but it does look like that from the outside.
“Manchester United are not as inconsistent as they used to be, and that’s why they are where they are in the Premier League table.
“Leeds secured a big point this week [2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday]. I don’t think you’ll see Manchester United held to a draw again [at Elland Road]. I don’t see them being like they were the other day. I’m quite confident United will win this match. I expect them to bounce back and win this game comfortably.”
