Cristiano Ronaldo

Jivin Turkey

Well Ive been mulling over this for a while, but I really think he needs a long break. I think he is really underperforming, despite his mazy runs and blistering pace, I think his end product is still somewhat substandard.

He is yet to get off the mark goals wise and only has 1 assist this season. Yes his crossing has improved over the year, but he still isnt setting up goals. That is what I think someones crossing should be measured on.

Tonight, he showed some great turns and runs, but didnt set up any clear cut chances for me. Missed as good an opportunity as you could get. And I think his free will flatter to deceive, it never troubled the keeper, and the wall gave him far too much time after Keane had touched it.

People rate him so highly, unbelievably highly infact, and I think he will go to the top (he is only 19 after all), but at the moment, he is a long way off. Great on the eye yes, bags of potential yes, end product? Im not sure. I think he needs a break.

Either that or United should bring in another right sided player, it would mean Ronaldo wont have to play every game. It will also mean Ronaldo can put pressure on Giggs, and help raise Giggs' game, and his own.

thejollyrodger

Ronaldo is a good player but one thing that bugs me is his crosses. He never looks like he opens up and hit in a powerful accurate cross. Likes to all the tricks but its the end product that counts son

cournioni

I thought he played well tonight. He linked up well with Rooney in the first half, something I felt was lacking in recent weeks. He made some great runs and put in some good crosses tonight. I'm pretty happy with his performance tonight.

He's useless at corners though.

Jivin Turkey

Im not singling out tonights performance, but IMO he didnt "play well". His running was good, but as I said, his crossing wasnt, I dont remember any United player getting a clear shot from one. And its not as if he was up against a quality defense here, sure look at Uniteds goals! He missed a sitter too.

Big Nelly

Have been havin a row wit mates about Ronaldo since I first seen him play! I have always said he was class and althou when he first came into the English game he always took one too many step overs! As Badiel and Skinner took the constant pi** of during the Euros!! but who got the last laugh

But at that stage I think the Utd staff had got him sorted and his crossing during the euros! and at start of season was very good!! but as Fergie has said he is wrecked! he dropped him for a few games because came on the bus after a game and the lad was fast asleep and slept the whole way back to Manchester! dont know what game it was!!

Problem is at the moment who will replace him??? Giggs?? no chance! didnt see last nites game but did Miller play good in place of Giggs?? Only other choice I can see is move out scholes which I can see Fergie doing! Playin Rooney/Brazilian/Miller out there wit Giggs on left but then no hope of getting one cross in except for Miller maybe! Giggs is too old!!

Xterminator

United's current midfield lacks class.

Keano's a shadow of himself, and something is not right with Scholes. All the Djemba x2's in the world cant disguise it. Miller may have potential, but he's not the finished article. John O'shea's not the solution either.

However Ronaldo creates space for others, as most teams need to double up on him. Even when he plays 'badly' this gives other the chance to drive on.
He has bags of talent, and playing against him must be a bit of a nightmanre for defenders. One flash of magic, and he's by you!

I think the problem is that United rely on him too much, since beck's left, as they dont create enough in the middle or on the right. Sure the guys not going to have a great game every week, its not humanly possible.

If they had a good wide right player, or a more creative midfield, it would relive some of the pressure.

X

The Rooster

Much as it pains me to say it, I think Ronaldo is a superb player. However, his performances this season have generally been below par (par for him that is) and will continue to be so, unless and until he gets a break. Lets not forget he played in the Euros and the Olympics.

He needs full month off, IMO, then he would come back better than ever, and it would certainly benefit MU in the long run. It would also benefit Miller greatly by having a month in the team. He cant possibly come on as a player by playing once every three weeks or so.

Heinze should also be mentioned in a similar vein. He has been immense this season, but his performances have dipped in the last 2 games. He needs a rest or else his effectiveness will diminsh and mistakes will creep in.

Chong

So jivin turkey I totally agree wit yourself, in fairness he does look jaded, and deserves a break. He was really progressing at the end of last season and things were startin to go right for the lad. He had an amazing euro 2004 but having been at the olympics was his downfall, he didnt have be there because to a footballer the olympics is not there number goal in life , its to play and win the world cup final. If you remember fergie sent him home last season around january for about 5-6 weeks and he came back a different player, so maybe he needs that rest to get him firing on all cylinders again. Just remember the hassle he gave ashley cole in the FA Cup Semi Final.

cournioni

I think Fergie said that he is going to give him a break around Christmas time. Maybe Heinze aswell.

Chong

PORNAPSTER wrote:

I think Fergie said that he is going to give him a break around Christmas time. Maybe Heinze aswell.

It would be unfortunate to lose heinze because he has to be one of the best signings fergie has made in the past few years. The guy is outstanding he never stops working a truly good player.

thejollyrodger

Heinze is one of the best defenders in Man Utd. Far better than Ferdinannd IMO. I guess he and Ronaldo need rest and its in the best intrest for Utd to rest them.

But as someone said, Miller is far from the perfect replacement. He looks like he has potential but looks unsure of himself and low in confidence. He would need to game the game by the horns and take shots when he can and get more invovled in the game. It remains to be seen whether he will cut it at Man Utd. At the moment I would have to give Giggs the nod over Miller.

KdjaCL

Has ronaldo stopped playing football in the last 18 months?

remeber gary kelly doing somewhat similar and died a death with fatigue, im sure he be rested for meaningless PL matches. That lad gonna be one of the best footballers me has seen play.

/me drools at thought of him and Duff in same team, wonder if he has an irish granny

kdjac

BaZmO*

Why would he need a rest more than anybody else?

Some people were saying a couple of weeks ago that Van Nistlerooy needed to be rested because he wasn't playing his best and then he goes and scores 4 last night!! Go figure...

Have a look at the list below detailing all the games that he's played this season up until the start of the premiership and you'll see that he hasn't played many more games than any other player that was involved in the Euros.

============================

EURO 2004

12th June Group Stages

16th June Group Stages

20th June Group Stages


24th June First Round

30th June Semi Final

4t July Final

He played in all 6 games with a total playing time of 418 mins

============================
8th August Missed the Charity Shield
============================

Olympics

12th August

15th August

18th August

============================

Premiership

15th August Premiership Starts

15th August – Didn’t Play

21st August – 6mins

28th August – 90mins

============================


B.

The Rooster

I believe Ronaldo went pretty much from Euro 2004 to preparing for the Olympics with little break. During the year you need (or so common wisdom says) a total break at some stage, to recharge the batteries, refocus and re-energise. And that goes for whatever line of work you are in. In the case of a teenage footballer playing at the highest level, I would suggest a month off.

Heinze also went straight from the Copa to the Olympics, with little or no summer break.

So the difference between those and the others is that they are the only 2 who havent had a complete break from football.

BaZmO*

The Rooster wrote:

I believe Ronaldo went pretty much from Euro 2004 to preparing for the Olympics with little break.

He was hardly preparing for the Olympics for 6 weeks. The 2 weeks leading up to the Olympics would've been plenty enough, therefore giving the month off that you were suggesting.

Boro

Ronaldo - class but no end product. Now where have i seen that already?
I agree that he needs a break, it seems that he is stuck in a bit of a loop where he gets the ball, runs, beats three men and then falls over. He needs to refocus and then concentrate on his delivery.

Man U definitely need to buy someone in the january sales. Possibly someone like Scott Parker who can play in the middle and add impetus. Bellion is a pretty lacklustre replacement for the right wing, but he can play there to give CR a rest.

I thought miller had a good game last night, but looks a lot more comfortable in the middle rather than marooned on the right wing.

Hard to see how fergie is going to improve it without binging in some new players or bringing through some youth - how is that Eagles lad getting on now anyway?

MrJoeSoap

It pains me to admit it, but he is a superb dribbler. His crossing will definitely improve with time. Scary to think he's only 19 (i think?).

dirkey_wynne

Ron is a great albeit frustrating talent. I agree without a shadow of a doubt that he needs a rest. I feel Scholes and Heinze could also benefit from this. However Utd need to get some results together, get a run going before they can seriously consider resting any of them.

Personally though I have to say I'm delighted Utd have Ron on their books than at any other club. I don't think his crossing is as bad as some make out. of late it has been poor I agree, but there are times when he puts sublime crosses in. Hell Giggsy's been getting away with being a poor crosser of the ball for years. I think Ron is only 19, and when he adds the end product, which I'm hopeful and fairly certain that he will, then he's going to become world class imho. Here's hoping anyway. He does need a rest, but at the mo I just don't think we can afford to give it to him. A tired Ron is worth 2 Millers, and at least 3 Bellion's and Fletchers!

Draupnir

I dont think its fair to say he doesnt provide a final product. In all fairness, his crossing is superb if just a bit off last nite and in the last few weeks. We can all regurgitate what so called experts say on television. His crossing in Euro 2004 for Portugal was second to none, providing one of Portugals best threats in most of their games.

His running with the ball last night against fantastic, his first touch excellent and his distribution spot on apart from some over hit crosses which I did notice and comment on during the match. I do agree that hes not the best at the old corners, but taking corners is an art in itself.

A couple of weeks off wouldnt do him any harm in my opinion, but I dont think Scholes needs a rest, he needs games and a good kick up the hole.

woosaysdan

ronaldos pace last night was frightening time after time he bet the defender for pace and skinned them with his footwork!!! changing the subject slightly what would people think of having a small break during x-mas like in europe?

Jivin Turkey

Draupnir wrote:

I dont think its fair to say he doesnt provide a final product. In all fairness, his crossing is superb if just a bit off last nite and in the last few weeks. We can all regurgitate what so called experts say on television. His crossing in Euro 2004 for Portugal was second to none, providing one of Portugals best threats in most of their games.

Im not regurgitating anything. I watch enough football to know. His crossing in Euro 2004 was second to none? Are you taking the p1ss?

It was the Greece and Russia games I saw, and every time he would beat his man and deliver a cross. And everytime a Portugese player wouldnt get on the end of it. Now while this might not be 100% his fault, you would think that he would hit a man sometime. He didnt, thats a fact. And its exactly what Im saying, he has the pace and skill to dazzle all, but that is nothing without an end product.

Chucky the tree

I dont think hes the be all and end all everyone says he is. His turns are great, but the majority of the time hes takes one to many. Bit of a show boat. Mgith be better with a rest, but he aint gonna get one since united dont have decent cover for him. Same with scholes, terrible late.

Fergie made a huge mistake signing rooney, such a waste of money. for the money he spend he could of got 3 world class midfileders nearly, which they are in need of alot more then a striker.

BKtje

Why would he need a rest more than anybody else?

Cos he played in the olympics unlike most other players. Also hes only 19 and his body is still developing etc (/regurgitate mode).

Not every playter runs as much as Ronaldo or Heinz in particular so its unfair to compare them with some other players.

Spalk0

I think the lad could do with a break because he seems to be running out of ideas and he looks tired!...plus something tells me if he gets to go home for a couple of weeks on a holiday he'll come back in great form, and United could do with him back on great form to be honest!But they also need results now!

eirebhoy

B-K-DzR wrote:

Cos he played in the olympics unlike most other players.

The Olympics began at the same time as the premiership season so he didn't play anymore than the rest of the United players.

smemon

love him or hate him he's established himself at utd and is very high up the pecking order (imo, no.1 on the teamsheet currently).

ferguson would of course want to rest him, he hasnt had a break, training and preparing, playing with portugal regularly all summer. however he's such a huge player for us now, ferguson cant afford to rest him as he's the one consistent performer and playmaker we have (scholes not firing on all cylinders, rooney,giggs etc..)

his energy levels are fantastic as is his turn of pace and first touch. if i could have any player in the world in a 1 on 1 situation, it would be c.ronaldo. he's a joy to watch and you pay to see that sort of player.

criticism of him is unfair as he's been utd's best player last season and this imo. perhaps the criticism should be swayed to the man on the left?

PHB

leave giggsey alone

If united don't play him, you will see and have seen the drop in service that the forwards get.

Giggs used to do all the stepovers and ****, but now he simply goes by you and crosses it in, thats what I want Ronaldo to start doing

Jivin Turkey

smemon wrote:

if i could have any player in the world in a 1 on 1 situation, it would be c.ronaldo.

Im sure the Sparta Prague keeper would say the same.

God its too easy.

PHB

Surley just from a Man Utd point of view, you'd want Van Nist in a 1 on 1 situation, I know I would.

I do however think hes talking about a winger vs. full back 1 on 1

Jivin Turkey

PHB wrote:

If united don't play him, you will see and have seen the drop in service that the forwards get.

Giggs used to do all the stepovers and ****, but now he simply goes by you and crosses it in, thats what I want Ronaldo to start doing

That is exactly what my point is. While Ronaldo might be exiting to watch etc. When it comes down to it, in general they would miss Giggs more, because he puts more better quality balls in the box. No nonsense, just put a good ball in. It may not be as exiting but its more effective.

smemon

Jivin Turkey wrote:

That is exactly what my point is. While Ronaldo might be exiting to watch etc. When it comes down to it, in general they would miss Giggs more, because he puts more better quality balls in the box. No nonsense, just put a good ball in. It may not be as exiting but its more effective.

yeah thats true, but giggs cant get past people as if their not there anymore, he rarely gets to the byline and puts in a dangerous ball.

his lack of effort in tracking back and non existent strength when shoulder to shoulder make him a liability to the side at times. utd's game is based upon a fast moving, flowing passing game, giggs wastes possesion too much and does stupid things like square a pass into the opposition. i do believe we scored 4 without giggs playing and the game was pacey and flowing, end to end.

we hardly missed him against sparta.

Jivin Turkey

smemon wrote:

yeah thats true, but giggs cant get past people as if their not there anymore, he rarely gets to the byline and puts in a dangerous ball.

his lack of effort in tracking back and non existent strength when shoulder to shoulder make him a liability to the side at times. utd's game is based upon a fast moving, flowing passing game, giggs wastes possesion too much and does stupid things like square a pass into the opposition. i do believe we scored 4 without giggs playing and the game was pacey and flowing, end to end.

we hardly missed him against sparta.

Going past people "as if their not there" is no use if you dont put in a decent cross. And I utter again, that is exactly my point as regards Ronaldo. Todays game being a prime example. While I dont think either played particularly well, in the 45 minutes that Giggs played he put in 2 balls (one that Saha missed from 6 yards, and the other that Distin reached before Saha) that could have easily led to goals. He always does this. Ronaldo doesnt.

Can you not see that despite Ronaldos flashy tricks and electrifying pace, he doesnt put in quality balls? And that Giggs (who is "past it" according to a lot of United supporters) will always put in a couple of quality balls a game no matter how good or bad he is playing?

Sparta Prague were awful in defense, so that is no yardstick to measyre how United perform without Giggs.

MisterAnarchy

Coming after Kanchelskis and Beckham ,Ronaldo is no replacement.
Reminds me of a guy I used to play football with.
Unbelievable technique and skill but hadnt a clue how to play in a team.
Far too greedy and predictable.
Ronaldo is the same.
Some nice fancy touches but no end product which after all is what its aall about.
He hasnt a brain in his head

PHB

He jsut isn't there yet, but he will be.
His problem is that hes stilla kid, and is expected to be a regular in the team, can't be slowly moved in like he should be.

thejollyrodger

hopefully with the need to rest players like Ronaldo the likes of Liam Miller can get a starting position in United

Ferguson won't ease up on Ronaldo yet
17/11/2004 - 11:46:45
http://breaking.tcm.ie/2004/11/17/story176277.html

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has confirmed he intends to give Cristiano Ronaldo a break at some point in the season – but not just yet.

The 19-year-old Portuguese star had a demanding summer, combining a run to the final of Euro 2004 with a relatively disappointing Olympic campaign and appeared to be showing signs of weariness during his 16th Red Devils outing of the season at Newcastle on Sunday.

There was no rest for Ronaldo this week after being called into Felipe Scolari’s national squad for the World Cup qualifier with Liechtenstein, leading to speculation that Ferguson might be tempted to take his £12m (€17.1m) teenager out of the firing line.

Having been rewarded for handing his young winger a three-week break during his first season in England with a series of brilliant performances towards the end of the campaign, Ferguson admitted he intends following the same path this year.

But the Scot will resist the temptation of pulling the former Sporting Lisbon player out of the action too early and does not believe the time has arrived for Ronaldo to put his feet up.

“There is going to be a spell where Cristiano needs a rest,” Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.

“It is a question of picking the moment. Last year, we sent him home for a break at Christmas and we will have to see what we do this time.

“At the moment, I have no definite plans for him. He is okay just now but we will be assessing him all the time.”

Ferguson could be tempted to leave Ronaldo out of Saturday’s Old Trafford clash with Charlton anyway, given the need for maximum points to guarantee qualification for the Champions League knockout phase against Lyon next Tuesday.

Ryan Giggs is waiting to return after a couple of recent substitute appearances, while Darren Fletcher signalled his well being at St James’ Park with an excellent display on his surprise return to first-team action.

The Scot understandably tired on only his second Premiership start but he had already made his mark with the sublime pass that set up Wayne Rooney for United’s opener in their much-needed 3-1 win over Newcastle.

Having held Fletcher back while offering Eric Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Liam Miller and John O’Shea midfield spots earlier in an inconsistent campaign, Ferguson now looks set to give the 20-year-old an extended run in the side.

“Darren was excellent at Newcastle,” said Ferguson.

“He took his time to get into things last term and it has been the same way this year.

“But he also played very well prior to Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup, so it shows he is getting his game going again.”

Headshot

i was looking through old soccer threads and saw this one for me i think Ronaldo will be somthing special hes still young and needs to mature but those to wasters brady and dunphy werent giving him a inch of praise i know he played bad last night but for me he has improved awful llot
brady and dunphy never give him an inch ever

i taught he did 2 or 3 great passes last night

Big Ears

snoopdog wrote:

i taught he did 2 or 3 great passes last night

That simply isn't good enough , and please don't be counting the pass to Fortune for the shot that hit the post as that was a terrible pass , it was an obvious one to play so it wasn't great vision and the execution was poor it left Fortune stretching .

kano476

Granted he wasn't great last night but imo I think he was one of the better players in an overall poor performance. Giggs was just as poor as was Rooney - the only remarkable performance I saw was once again heinze apart from one mistake where he played crespo onside.

United look tired in general going forward and I think rooney, scholes and ronaldo need a break at the moment. I think Ronaldo has shown immense imporvement this season - his pace, skill and crossing - he's even starting to score goals. He still has a lot to learn though especially in team work.

Good to see Van back although his fitness was questionable. Hopefully he will make a quick return to previous form.

Villain

I think he has the ability to be a great player, he's only 19 remember, his dribbling skills are excellent and his passing isn't that bad. His final ball might not always be spot on but not many 19 year olds are. IMHO Rooney gives the ball away a lot more than Ronlado, I think he gets an extra hard time because he's foreign and dives on occasion but all in all he will become a great player and I think most premiership managers would rather have him in their team than trying to pick a corner back to mark him.

Headshot

irish1 wrote:

I think he has the ability to be a great player, he's only 19 remember, his dribbling skills are excellent and his passing isn't that bad. His final ball might not always be spot on but not many 19 year olds are. IMHO Rooney gives the ball away a lot more than Ronlado, I think he gets an extra hard time because he's foreign and dives on occasion but all in all he will become a great player and I think most premiership managers would rather have him in their team than trying to pick a corner back to mark him.

you know your stuff irish1 i totally agree with you