So, it has finally happened, the ongoing rumours about Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Juventus were rather true and what is to be called, a plot twist in the transfer window has finally taken place as Manchester United have gone ahead and brought back home Cristiano Ronaldo who has already been a legend for the club in the past.
But now the point is, what was the reason behind this transfer?
It’s no doubt that Cristiano even though being 36 is still in shape and good form, he even proved it last week against Ireland by scoring a brace and making an excellent comeback. United had a lot of other young and less-costly options as compared to the legend, then why go for him again?
- The Financial Boost
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-followed Instagram user with currently 337 million followers and a lot more on various other social media platforms. The Portuguese footballing icon, who has played for the best clubs in Europe like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, is no doubt one of the most marketable athletes in sports right now.
Manchester United already has a lot of young popular footballers like Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. The club will get a boost to their marketing as the face of the sport, Cristiano will feature in their club. Around $60m of Ronaldo shirts have been sold in 12 hours as the iconic number 7 jersey was handed over to him by the Red Devils.
A rise in the club’s Plc stock price was observed when Cristiano was transferred to United. Manchester United Plc’s price increased 5.8% in New York trading and closed at $18.29 on Friday after the club announced a deal with the Juventus football club.
2. The On-Field Boost
As the new Premier League season has commenced, Manchester United has already proved that they are not here to just qualify for the UCL but to win it plus the signing of Mr UCL himself could be the key which United was searching for for a couple of years.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 134 games for Juve which was a record created by the legend in just three seasons. Cristiano will bring that attacking boost which United needs very much. Even though they have the likes of Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Edinson Cavani, the attack has not been consistent enough and Ole had to stick with defensive tactics. Jadon Sancho, who was recently signed by the club will form a great pair with Cristiano in the front line to get those much necessary goals and will help Ole to finally execute an offensive formation.
3. Elite Mentality
Cristiano, who is 36, still has the hunger to win and achieve more silverware which is the mentality United needs right now. Ronaldo will bring along with him a sense of leadership and captaincy on and off the pitch. Ronaldo is a proven leader who supports his team whenever the atmosphere is pessimistic. He is the leader every team needs in their dressing room to address them and command them.
With a lot of emerging youngsters in the squad like Greenwood and Rashford, Ronaldo can help with their development to lead the club in the future. Manchester United is convinced that they are strong enough to compete for the Champions League and Ronaldo has brought along with him the winner’s mentality as he mentioned he came back not to relive in the past but to complete his unfinished business.