The former Manchester United striker’s comments on another ex-Red Devils in Cristiano Ronaldo have gone some way to explaining his feud with manager Erik ten Hag
The row with Cristiano Ronaldo and subsequent fall-out has proved to be the defining saga of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United reign so far.
The Red Devils boss, in his debut season at the helm, took on the biggest star in the squad and came out triumphant, proving he was not one to be taken for a fool. With that in mind, some old comments from Edinson Cavani have resurfaced that could offer an explanation as to why Ten Hag was so keen to part ways with Ronaldo.
Speaking in May of last year, Cavani admitted he thought his own days at Old Trafford were numbered following Ronaldo’s arrival. He seems to suggest that whenever the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joins a club, a manager feels forced into playing him.
The Uruguayan explained: “Knowing a bit about the world of football these days, the first thing I did was call my brother [Walter Fernando Guglielmone, who also acts as his agent] and said: “Fernando, if this had happened a week ago, I would ask you to find me another club.”
“But not because I didn’t want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo. No. Because I had the opportunity to know him, and he is a great professional, with his targets, and that is perfect for a sportsman. But as I know, after years in football, how things work these days. That’s why I spoke to my brother.
“It was more about understanding the situation. Not because I couldn’t play in my role at Manchester, but because there are many things in football nowadays that are different from how they were with other people, how it was before, years ago. And since it happened suddenly, I felt nothing. I thought: We’ll play, do the best we can.”
Cavani was one of the first to feel the impact of Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford, as the Uruguay international was kind enough to give up the number seven shirt for the former Real Madrid man.
He left in the same summer that Ten Hag arrived, but Cavani may regret not sticking around given the Dutchman did not subscribe to the theory that Ronaldo has to start every game and play every minute.
On the contrary, under Ten Hag’s watch, Ronaldo featured just 10 times in the Premier League and completed 90 minutes on no more than three occasions.
Perhaps what is most striking is how well United are faring in Ronaldo’s absence. The Red Devils have gone from strength to strength since terminating his contract and now find themselves third in the table just five points off of the top spot.
Marcus Rashford has stepped up in place of the Portugal skipper and at long last United look like they are heading in the right direction as Ten Hag tries to restore them to their former glories.
Vinicius Jr brutally trolls Liverpool fans with Cristiano Ronaldo gesture at Anfield
Liverpool were hammered by Real Madrid thanks to braces from Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema – leaving Jurgen Klopp’s side on the brink of a Champions League exit
Vinicius Junior rubbed salt in Liverpool’s wounds on Tuesday night by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘nap’ celebration at Anfield.
Liverpool were dismantled by Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid after racing into a two-goal lead during the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash. The holders scored five goals in response to put one foot in the quarter-finals of this season’s tournament.
The star of the show was Vinicius, who scored a lovely goal to get Real back into the tie before forcing Alisson into a costly mistake. After completing his brace, the Brazil international was keen to pay tribute to Ronaldo by emulating his iconic celebration.
Ronaldo is not a popular figure on Merseyside after winning nine trophies with bitter rivals Manchester United. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also Real’s record scorer after hitting 450 goals in 438 appearances for the Spanish giants between 2009 and 2018.
Vinicius never got the chance to play alongside Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, as the Portugal international signed for Juventus in the summer of 2018. Although Vinicius agreed to join Real in May 2017, the transfer was not finalised until the following summer.
Liverpool opened the scoring when Darwin Nunez’s cute flick deceived Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The former Chelsea stopper was left embarrassed a few moments later after getting his feet mixed up, which allowed Mohamed Salah to score a simple goal.
Real equalised thanks to Vinicius’ efforts before thrashing Liverpool in the second half. Eder Militao’s header made it 3-2, but it was Karim Benzema’s brace that gave the visitors a commanding lead. Liverpool now have a mountain to climb in Madrid on March 15.
“World class!” Alan Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live after Vinicius’ first goal. “Defenders all over Vinicius Jr, no space whatsoever but he just picks his spot and curls it into the far corner. Alisson had no chance – what a response that is!”
Shearer was also full of praise for Vinicius at the interval. “Every time he got the ball on the left-hand side for Real Madrid, he has looked so dangerous,” said the Newcastle hero.
Ronaldo first did his ‘nap’ celebration after scoring for United after scoring the winner in their 2-1 triumph at Everton last October. It is believed the celebration originated from an in-joke between the veteran forward, 38, and his then United teammates.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a long and successful career. One of the reasons why is because of the way he looks after his body. It is said the Portugal international enjoys plenty of rest and naps to ensure he is in perfect condition ahead of matchdays.
Ronaldo left United last November after criticising the club, manager Erik ten Hag and several other individuals during a sensational interview with Piers Morgan. He has since joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and has scored five goals in his first four league games.
