Ronaldo’s Last Dance

So it was the Summer of 2009 when the inevitable happened and a 24-year old Cristiano Ronaldo finally departed my club for his dream move to Real Madrid - this was the start of Ronaldo transitioning from a top footballer to the global superstar people all over the World know today. Up to this point Ronaldo was a superstar in the making but was also still part of a team. He’d started to show elements of his individualism a year earlier in 2008 when he’d just won the first of his 5 Champions League titles, secured a second consecutive domestic title and notched up 42-goals in all completions along the way. 2008 finished off nicely with the first of his 5 Ballon D’or wins. This was the start of a decade long tussle with this individual award where no-one between Kaka in 2007 and Modric in 2018 would win it other than Ronaldo or his footballing nemesis Lionel Messi.

With the success achieved in 2008 and the inevitable sniffing around of Real Madrid (as is always the case once a ‘Galactico’ is realised and subsequently targeted), it was clear Ronaldo would want to ditch the team who had made him a star and move to footballs equivalent of Hollywood. This is the place where Brazilian Ronaldo, Figo, Zidane, Beckham, Raul to name a few had played. However, there would be one final hurdle to get over before this deal would be sanctioned - Sir Alex’s ‘Gentleman’s agreement’. “You give me one more year and I’ll let you go to Madrid next Summer”. True to his word Fergie sanctioned this deal a year later with United also profiting further by increasing the fee from the £60m offered in 2008 to the £80m ultimately paid in 2009, as their asset had matured nicely (to finance the Glazers through the recession).

The 2008-09 season wasn’t with its strops. Ronaldo’s first goal of this campaign came against Middlesbrough in the League Cup, which didn’t muster a smile from the ‘kept man’. The smile did eventually return though as he got back into his grove scoring again, notably a brace against Stoke City at Old Trafford, as he cleared 100 goals for United. He went on from there, as he had done the previous year but it was a game against Man City at home in 2009 when we saw his first notable strop. Having got United 2-0 up with the 3-points looking secure, Ronaldo was substituted due to United still fighting on many fronts with games coming thick and fast. As Fergie hooked him to rest the prized asset for bigger games (seems odd to say this of Man City but this was there first season under Abu Dhabi ownership), it was clear this wasn’t well received. He walked past Fergie and whipped the tracksuit top out of Albert Morgan’s hand (United’s kitman at the time) and sat down in a huff shaking his head for the remainder of the game; Notably out of Fergies view. This same strop was repeated against Brentford away last season when he was substituted and spent the remainder of the game being consoled by Rangnick.

Ronaldo’s ego wasn’t wounded for too long though, as he was given the role of central striker later that season in the 2nd leg of a champions league semi-final game against Arsenal at the Emirates. This was the perfect test drive for the subsequent Final against Barcelona, as back then Arsenal were dubbed ‘Barca Lite’. Prior to this game Ronaldo played primarily as a winger who had progressively cut inside more and more to get amongst the goals. He had never been the target man though, as Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov would occupy this position, or at least on paper. However, this was the game where he would be the official principle striker. Rooney and Park would play either side of him. Tevez and Berbatov would start from the bench. This was a huge success with United running out 3-1 winners and Ronaldo bagging a brace. The second was a sales pitch for how United planned to go at Barcelona in the final. A well oiled counterattack commenced on the edge of United’s box. Park pings the ball across the field to Rooney, as Ronaldo sprints through the middle. Rooney seeing this plays an inch perfect pass to evade Arsenals defender and into the path of Ronaldo who side foots the ball into the top corner. It really is a great goal and one, which represents perhaps United at their strongest in recent years. They won titles after this but in my opinion United haven’t been as strong since.

Then the Final - Stadio Olimpico. United’s second consecutive Champions League final. With an arguably stronger team could they replicate their 2008 victory…No! On a rare occasion, Fergie got his tactics wrong (in my opinion). As mentioned in the dress rehearsal above against Arsenal, Ronaldo was the central striker who spearheaded the United attack with Rooney and Park supporting. United did have a strong line-up, but Arsenal are not Barcelona and you don’t beat Barcelona at their own game. Barcelona also played with a forward three consisting of Messi, Eto’o and of course the former Arsenal hitman Thierry Henry with a strong supporting cast of Iniesta and Xavi. This was the new look ‘Pep Barca’ with their tiki-taka football and triangulating passing. The 2011 version (who completely outplayed United in the repeat final at Wembley) were stronger than their 2009 counterpart but United were equally weaker then also. The 2009 United were robust, functional and very capable. Had they approached Barcelona, as they did the previous year, they’d have possibly neutralised their threat more and got them on the breaks. However, United had tried to play the attacking game they normally play but this time with a forward three. However, it wasn’t only the tactics, which were wrong. This game was the start of Ronaldo’s obsession with his Messi rivalry; a narrative the media had filled the papers with leading up to the game. From minute one Ronaldo was taking potshots in an attempt to gain first blood, not for United, for Ronaldo. This game was about him and his rivalry before he exited for Spain where he could focus on that project more frequently.

Ultimately, United lost 2-0 with Messi scoring the second by elevating his 5’7” frame between a 6’2” Vidic and Ferdinand and despite sideways onto goal heading the ball in the top corner…to quote Rio “Ronaldo…you got merc’d!” Messi would also go onto win the Ballon D’or that year…it would be 2013 before Ronaldo retrieved the award.

When Ronaldo departed Man United, he was clearly the talisman in the team, a role facilitated by the understudies of Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Ji Sung Park. These were the players who often played out of position and did Ronaldo’s running, all with the aim of supporting him in his quest to becoming the GOAT he is today. It was no different at Madrid with Bale and Benzema acting in a similar capacity, with the lesser Pepe and Marcelo acting almost as the showgirls…the girls who accompany Film stars to events. If Benzema and Rooney are Ice Man to Ronaldo’s Maverick, then Pepe and Marcelo would be his Paris Hilton’ - who was of course right on Ronaldo’s radar once he became known Stateside.

Although happy to have this supporting cast, Ronaldo would never accept anyone eclipsing him wherever he went. He’s never felt threatened and he shouldn’t. It’s fair and accurate to say he has always been the main man in all the teams he’s played for but it still doesn’t prevent the occasional strop when others do momentarily have the limelight. Bale and Ramsey were victims of this when scoring goals from Ronaldo rebounds or shots at Madrid and Juventus respectively. Ronaldo can be seen nearby throwing his hands in the air because someone stole his goal. Even when Ronaldo doesn’t appear to strop, the cameras still pan to him to make it about him. Notably when Bale scored that solo effort in the Copa Del Ray final of 2014 against Barcelona, which was incredible but upon execution the cameras panned to Ronaldo who was in the crowd that night due to injury. Similarly in the 2008 Champions League Final when Ronaldo missed his spot kick in the shoot-out. He was bailed out by a John Terry slip and Van Der Sar keeping out Anelka but after the save from Edwin, the rest of the team swarmed to their heroic Keeper yet Ronaldo (who initially ran), stopped and crashed on the ground crying keeping the cameras on him where he was subsequently applauded by Sir Alex and Gary Neville.

The whole individualism has actually become awkward now. If Ronaldo doesn’t save the day or score the goals, there’s almost a feeling of awkwardness, as if the players need permission to see if it’s ok with him first. As a fan I’m sitting there waiting for the sulk. Ronaldo will join in the celebration but not in the manner a Rio, Rooney or Keane would as they jump on someone’s back or scream at them in elation.

This situation is akin to what we saw during Michael Jordan’s time for the Chicago Bulls - Jordan was the main man but was supplemented by Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. It was no different with Messi at Barcelona. He was always the lead singer regardless of the calibre of the supporting act, be it Suarez, Iniesta, Xavi…it was Neymar who would no longer play backing vocals and like Robbie Williams when he left a successful Take That, left and made his own way.

Of course Neymar did so with the aim of becoming PSGs Ronaldo or Messi, to the extent their initial talisman Edinson Cavani was soon out of favour leading to his move to United. He enjoyed a good first season until another Neymar turned up (Ronaldo), took his shirt number and again Cavani found himself out of favour. Due to this it’s clear Cavani (like others) had his nose pushed out, downed tools last season and virtually picked the games he played in.

For his ego, I completely understand a large part of that is what makes him the player he is. Messi, Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Salah…they all have them and it is true that on occasion only they can bail the team out but equally they will also choose to shoot when there’s a clear square pass on to a team mate with an open goal. It’s a strikers instinct if nothing else but Ronaldo takes this to the next level and sometimes to a fault. He’s become so self involved and obsessed that he’ll sabotage his legacy with the club who made him the player he was (is) in exchange to scrape the barrel at one more Champions League campaign with Madrids arch rival Athletico…allegedly.

As for Messi, although he is in Ronaldo’s sphere, the balance was where it needed to be. He expected only the best from his team and club but in a way Keane or Gerrard would at United and Liverpool respectively. Are you good enough for this team? If you are, then you’re in, if you’re not, you’re out. Ronaldo does demand the same expectations but unlike a Keane, Gerrard, Scholes, Robson, Rooney and even Messi to some extent, who would accept a player of equal or better calibre by their side, Ronaldo only accepts high standards, as long as they’re not a threat to his own. Ronaldo sings the hits, others can sing the album fillers.

When Ronaldo was at the top of his game, this was tolerated, it had to be. He was the best. The problem we have now is, he’s no longer that player. Clear by the fact no clubs are actively pursuing him. Bayern, Chelsea and Madrid have all publicly stated they are not interested. City, Liverpool, Barcelona would not even consider him. Athletico are allegedly interested but it is of course their MO to peruse ‘has beens’ ie Suarez, Torres and Costa, two of which they sold at their pomp and bought back on their decline. Of course, how on Earth Ronaldo plays for his former clubs local rivals would only scream desperation.

I think it’s clear to say that any alleged loyalty Ronaldo claimed to have for United and Fergie a year ago is a load of b*******! I think we all knew deep down he only joined United, as they were able to meet his wages demands, offer champions league football and also at that point were heading in an upward trajectory. Now that we’re Thursday night fodder and way off Liverpool and City he’s wanting out. He wasn’t loyal in 2009 and he’s not loyal now.

Ronaldo has won everything now and although he wants his ‘last dance’, surely the authenticity of that is only possible at United? Jumping ship to another team is the easy way out. Jordan delivered in what was deemed a team on the decline. That’s what makes that 1998 championship so iconic. It’s Jordan’s role that he played in that season that largely makes him the icon he is today. For all his greatness he did what leaders do. Led by example and by instilling confidence and will into his team. A leader who you look to in the trenches (as Keane would say) and know that’s your man and your by his side. You don’t have to look further than Gerrard during Liverpools Champions League victory in 2005, or Bryan Robson dragging a mediocre United to success in the 80s with iconic performances such as the one against Barcelona in 1984. Roy Keane said he had the easiest job in the world when he was United captain, as he was surrounded by top players and professionals. Equally, it’s fair to say United wouldn’t have been the team they were without their heroic captain who although maybe not the best technically in those teams was certainly good enough to push them top players and egos to glory. Perhaps the epitome of this was Turin in 1999.

In the summer on 1995 when Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis all left only to be replaced with ‘youth’, things looked very risky. Cantona, could’ve easily pushed for a move away, especially against the backdrop of his Kung-fu kick against a racist Palace fan in January of that same year. He stayed though and fought on despite United looking done on the opening day against Aston Villa when annihilated 3-1.

Cantona went onto single-handedly take United to a domestic league and cup double in 1996 against all odds, supported by the class of ‘92 and a spine of Schmeichel, Bruce and Keane behind him. Scoring the only goals in 1-0 victories against Spurs, Arsenal, Coventry, Newcastle, West Ham and a late equaliser against QPR late on in the season secured the league. Another 1-0 win came in the cup final against Liverpool with a magnificent well executed goal late on in the game. That moment of Eric taking a slight step back to volley the ball back toward goal through a crowd of Liverpool players and into the net was up there with Jordan’s late shot against the Utah Jazz in 1998 with only 5.2 seconds left on the clock.

That’s what makes Cantona and Jordan legends and heroic leaders. They didn’t bail when trouble hit and the teams were in alleged ‘decline’ but delivered against all the odds. Perhaps this is one ‘individual award’ United’s current number 7 doesn’t fancy though.