Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of causing “disunity” and “disharmony” at Old Trafford and of being a player who “does it for himself.”
Ronaldo finished the season as Manchester United's top scorer and his 18 Premier League goals meant he finished third on the Premier League list. But according to John Barnes, United would have been a better team WITHOUT the five-times Ballon D’Or winner.
Barnes, who won two league titles with Liverpool and was twice named Footballer of the Year, said: “He (Ronaldo) causes disunity and disharmony. When the ball does not come to him, he throws his hands up in the air... that’s a great example, isn’t it? The harmony at Manchester United is a problem and who causes that disharmony? He (Ronaldo) walks around as though … ‘it’s the rest of them, I’m doing my job’.
“That’s not what a leader does - that’s what someone who does it for himself does. The fans love him and when things don’t go his way, he’s like … ‘it’s not my fault.’ That is not what a team is all about. So we know Ronaldo has done well for himself but would you rather have no-one scoring 20 goals a season and United finishing higher up?
“I think they would be higher up if they had a better TEAM. If the harmony is better, Ronaldo won’t score the goals but the team would be a better team and would be winning matches.”
United endured a dismal season, scraping sixth place after another loss - this time to Crystal Palace - on the final day. They even scrapped their end-of-season awards at the request of embarrassed players. And Barnes lays some of the blame for the poor form of several individuals at Ronaldo’s door.
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He went on: “He (Ronaldo) detracts from other players. (Marcus) Rashford would have had a better season, (Bruno) Fernandes would have had a better season, (Jadon) Sancho would have had a better season. Whoever signed Ronaldo, it is their fault.”
Barnes was speaking on an end-of-season podcast for William Hill and his opinion of Ronaldo was countered by Robbie Savage, whose son, Charlie, has just signed an extended deal at Old Trafford.
“He is great with the youngsters,” said Savage. “Everyone looks up to him - he’s an inspiration to any kid. For my boy, he’s a great example. And if (Raphael) Varane and Sancho and other players had contributed as much as Ronaldo for Manchester United, they would have been in the Champions League places and possibly challenging for the title.”
Barnes, however, was not convinced and believes new manager Erik ten Hag will struggle to take the team forward if Ronaldo sees out the final year of his contract. Barnes said: “Would United be a better team without Ronaldo? I think they would. You think they will be better if Ronaldo stays next season? No chance!”
John Barnes, Robbie Savage, Emma Jones and Andy Dunn spoke exclusively at a William Hill event.
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