Cristiano Ronaldo has been defended by former Manchester United teammate Mikael Silvestre.
Ronaldo has been criticised for his performances in recent weeks after enduring a poor start to 2022. In 10 games since the turn of the year, the 37-year-old has scored just once for United.
Nevertheless, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains United’s top scorer this season with 15 goals in all competitions, including nine in the Premier League. His tally puts him six ahead of his nearest competitor Bruno Fernandes.
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But questions have been asked of Ronaldo’s place in the side, as well as his future at the club. Suggestions have been made that he can’t fit in the modern system implemented by Ralf Rangnick, with the United interim boss understood to be losing patience.
Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford was seen as the potential catalyst for a title challenge, with United having finished second last season. But with the side struggling to even make the top four, doubts have been raised over whether United should have brought him back.
Former United defender Silvestre, who played over 350 games during his time at Old Trafford, has hit back at the criticism that has been levelled at his former teammate.
“It’s normal [that he gets criticism] because with the name he carries, the expectation must be high, so it’s normal that he’ll get some stick,” Silvestre told bettingexpert.com. “The statistics this season are in his favour, especially with the team’s current form.
“It’s been a positive signing, even with the run of games where he hasn’t been scoring, but it happens. He’s Ronaldo… he’s not God!”
Silvestre admits United do need to find a new centre-forward this summer, especially with Edinson Cavani looking likely to leave at the end of the season. Rangnick has already earmarked it as a position to target in the upcoming transfer window.
"This is obvious. Edinson's contract is running out in the summer and the club needs the best possible centre-forward. This is an obvious one. I think everyone is aware of that,” Silvestre added.
“I’m not sure United need a number nine, we just need someone who scores,” the former defender explained. “When I say a number nine, I mean a typical target man number nine, because we haven’t had one for a while, since the departure of Wayne [Rooney].”
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