Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off in an El Clasico in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Both teams needed penalties to get through their respective semi-final match. Los Blancos got past Valencia while Blaugrana got the better of Real Betis. Now, it remains to be seen how things play out when the two Spanish giants meet each other in Riyadh.
Both have looked a bit out of form lately. Real Madrid have seemed sluggish in their recent performances and came into the Spanish Super Cup on the back of a defeat at the hands of Villarreal. That did allow Barcelona to take a three point lead in the La Liga title race with a win over Atletico Madrid.
Of course, the fans in Riyadh should start getting used to seeing superstars in action, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr recently, after his time at Manchester United came to an abrupt end.
The move has drawn a lot of criticism from the fans and the media alike. But in the eyes of Carlo Ancelotti, Ronaldo made the right decision. As reported by the Mirror, the Real Madrid boss said in a press conference:
“Ronaldo is complete, very motivated. He likes the place and the country. He is highly motivated and has made the right decision.”
Real Madrid boss gives his clear opinion on Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr
Despite the criticism surrounding Ronaldo’s decision to join Al-Nassr, the fact of the matter is that he is not the first footballing legend to move out of Europe in the twilight of his career.
Ronaldo is set to turn 38 years of age next month and his form had clearly dipped in recent times, as he struggled to make a difference for Manchester United and lost his place in the Portugal national team’s starting XI in the World Cup knockout stages.
Thus, moving to a club like Al-Nassr might be good for him both on and off the pitch, as he is set to be one of the highest paid athletes in the world once again, thanks to his record contract.
Marcus Rashford told Manchester United form is down to Cristiano Ronaldo exit
Rashford has been branded as the ‘main man’ at Man United after Ronaldo’s November departure from Old Traford.
Rashford has scored eight goals in seven matches since Ronaldo left (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has been told his healthy Manchester United form is down to Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit.
A number of pundits and fans had suggested the superstar had been stifling his teammates before his explosive split in November, including Rashford. The England star is United’s top scorer this season with 15 goals, already triple the amount he tallied last term.
The attacker also finished up as his country’s joint top scorer at the World Cup with three goals alongside Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. Rashford had scored eight times in 19 outings for United before the tournament while Ronaldo was still at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old had his contract mutually terminated during the World Cup before signing for Saudi team Al-Nassr a few weeks after its conclusion. Since his departure, Rashford has netted in all seven games, including two against Charlton in Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final win. He’s also converted in eight straight home matches.
Paul Merson believes his rapid rate of fire has come about due to Ronaldo’s leave and branded the attacker as ‘the main man’ now at United. Writing in his column in the Daily Star, he said: “Marcus Rashford has made a big difference and I think his recent upturn in form is mainly down to Ronaldo’s exit.
Merson is not the only pundit to suggest Ronaldo’s presence had been hampering the full capabilities of Rashford.
Speaking after United’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth earlier this month, Alan Shearer said: “Marcus Rashford adds so much to this Manchester United team – he has the quality and the confidence. He’s a better player without Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad.”
Source: therealchamps.com; manchestereveningnews.co.uk
