Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Defends Cristiano Ronaldo’s Second Stint at Manchester United

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken out in defense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s second tenure at the club, asserting that the signing was sensible at the time and produced notable success despite its eventual challenges.

Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford from Juventus in 2021 marked a significant moment in football, with the Portuguese superstar initially linked with a move to Manchester City. However, United swooped in to secure his signature, leading to a season that saw Ronaldo contribute 18 Premier League goals and 24 in all competitions.

While the veteran forward’s second season under manager Erik ten Hag saw a decline in his performances, ultimately leading to a departure to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Solskjaer believes the signing was the right move for the club at the time.

Reflecting on the decision to bring Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, Solskjaer highlighted the positive impact of the signing, emphasizing the electric atmosphere during Ronaldo’s second debut against Newcastle United, where he scored two goals.

Despite the challenges faced during Ronaldo’s second stint, Solskjaer maintains that Ronaldo’s contributions deserve recognition and credits him as one of the best goalscorers in the world, underscoring his enduring impact on the team.

”He made his second debut against Newcastle and that was one of the most electric days at Old Trafford ever – he scored two goals.”

‘‘He deserved that chance to come back. He got 24 goals in that first season. He deserves more credit than what he’s got.”

‘’He was still one of the best goalscorers in the world, he was looking strong for us.’’

While acknowledging the complexities of Ronaldo’s time at United, Solskjaer’s remarks serve as a reminder of the significance of Ronaldo’s return to the club and the successes achieved during his tenure.