Cristiano Ronaldo disappoints at Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo's much-anticipated return to Manchester United for the 2021/22 Premier League season has been marred by controversy and disappointment. The season took a turn for the worse when Ronaldo's team faced a setback against Renan Lodi's header, which eliminated the Red Devils from the tournament. The situation escalated when Ronaldo clashed heads with captain Harry Maguire, leading to visible frustration as he reacted to being substituted, throwing his tracksuit coat to the ground. Ronaldo's relationship with the club further deteriorated during a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano, where he left the pitch at halftime, prompting criticism from manager Erik ten Hag. In a subsequent interview, Ten Hag addressed the incident, clarifying that Ronaldo had permission to leave due to family reasons, despite the controversy surrounding his early exit. This incident highlighted the growing tensions between the player and the management. In November 2022, Ronaldo's frustrations boiled over in a candid interview with Piers Morgan, where he expressed feelings of betrayal and a lack of respect from Ten Hag. He lamented the stagnation at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, stating, "I feel like there's no evolution in the club." This public airing of grievances underscored the rift between Ronaldo and the club, raising questions about his future at Old Trafford. As the season progressed, Ronaldo's struggles became emblematic of a broader crisis at Manchester United, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder the implications of his tumultuous return.