It might only have been a penalty in a routine win over modest opposition, but Lisandro Martinez claims Cristiano Ronaldo ’s first goal of the season was huge for him and Manchester United.
Ronaldo’s spot-kick in United’s 2-0 Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol has got him off the mark after he had drawn a blank in his first seven appearances. Ronaldo netted 24 times to become United’s top scorer last season and Martinez says they will need his goals again as Erik ten Hag continues his Dutch revolution.
“We know how big Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals are,” said the defender. “It’s very important that he scored for his confidence and for the team.”
Ten Hag was also pleased to see Ronaldo score and the pair have moved on after the Portugal star spent the summer trying to force through a move away from Old Trafford. Ten Hag stood firm and Ronaldo has accepted his future lies with United, in the short term at least.
“I think he’s totally committed to this project and totally committed to this team, totally involved,” said the United boss. “You see also connections forming around him and he is constructing connections, so I’m happy with that.”
Ten Hag does not see Ronaldo as his main striker and instead he is using the 37-year-old in a supporting role to Marcus Rashford. He only started against Sheriff because Rashford has a muscle injury and he is going to have to get used to his diminished status at United.
Ronaldo is not the only player to be demoted by Ten Hag and club captain Harry Maguire is the most high-profile victim. Maguire only came on in the 89th minute and it is clear Ten Hag sees him as his third choice centre-half behind Martinez and Raphael Varane.
The England international is going to struggle for starts leading up to the World Cup, which is a problem for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate. Luke Shaw has also lost his starting place at United to Tyrell Malacia and Ten Hag can point to the upturn in results without the England pair as proof he has made the right call.
Martinez, 24, has justified Ten Hag’s decision to start him in all six of their Premier League games and the Argentinian is already a fans’ favourite. The centre-half, signed for £48.5million from Ajax in the summer, is touched by the way United’s 600-strong travelling support in Chisinău chanting “Argentina, Argentina” to him.
“I’m really happy,” he said, “I’m a little bit surprised by that, but at the same time I feel proud to come here, the best club in the world. For the people to say ‘Argentina, Argentina’ for me it is amazing. Thanks to the fans for the support.”
