Cristiano Ronaldo’s shocking interview with Piers Morgan may have taken the football world by surprise, but it was, in many ways, predictable.
Ronaldo had previously stated that he would speak “his truth” following the Brentford debacle in August. As the weeks and months passed, it seemed as if he had forgotten, but it seems that he has been conspiring.
By posting the news about the interview just hours after the win over Fulham, he somewhat took the shine off the three points. However, in the grand scheme of things, with six weeks of non-competitive football to go for Manchester United, he shouldn’t derail the season in the same way that he might if it aired during the regular season.
The 37-year-old now heads to Qatar insisting he is fully focused on Portugal, but he’d be lying if he said not even half an eye was watching the reaction in England. By all accounts, this situation with Ronaldo is only likely to end one way and that is with the striker leaving the club.
He’s currently not getting the playing time he feels he deserves, and as such, you can imagine Erik ten Hag will be more than happy to see him leave the club. If Ronaldo leaves in January, as you would expect, there are two players who are in a prime position to benefit in the short term.
In the first place is Alejandro Garnacho. The teenager’s ability has been no secret for some time, but since Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford he seems to have gone from strength to strength.
On Sunday, Garnacho was in charge of a 20-minute cameo to try to win the game for his team. The final from him to his cold shoulder in stoppage time at Craven Cottage was just a reward for what has been a great few weeks for the youngster.
Without Ronaldo at United there would be one less name in front of the striker at the club and his price will rise. He should get even more playing time in the 37-year-old’s absence and the regular minutes will only help his development.
The second player likely to benefit from Ronaldo’s departure is Anthony Martial. Since the arrival of Ten Hag, Martial has almost become a completely different player.
His goals and assists for the Reds have been crucial, but there are still some concerns regarding the Frenchman. Martial’s injury history this season has been a concern and, if he is to benefit from Ronaldo’s departure, he must stay out of the medical room.
If he can achieve that, the role of center forward at United will surely be his. Martial’s form, as mentioned, has improved significantly under the Dutch coach and at present, his only real rival for the number nine spot is Ronaldo.
Both Garnacho and Martial will no doubt be further enhanced by the added responsibility that will befall them in Ronaldo’s absence, as evidenced by how well they have done in his absence. In reality, it seems that a January transfer for the great Portuguese would benefit all parties involved.