How can Manchester United effectively get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo?

Ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League game against Sheriff Tiraspol, a rather funny trend overtook social media surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and his start to the 2022-23 season.

Despite the 37-year-old eventually scoring in the game against Sheriff, the trolls and memes gave a grim reminder of his poor start to the term. Cut to the same time last season and Ronaldo was rejoicing a hero’s return at Old Trafford having scored a stunning brace against Newcastle United.

A Forgettable Summer Saga for Manchester United and Ronaldo

To start, this summer did not go as pleasantly as what transpired 12 months ago. Ronaldo constantly flirted with the decision of moving away from Manchester United.

From Chelsea to Bayern Munich to even a move back to his boyhood club Sporting CP, none were left barren with rumours. But despite his agent Jorge Mendes’ incredible influence, the duo could not materialize any offer to end Ronaldo’s love affair with The Theatre of Dreams for a second time.

The lack of interest from other clubs, perhaps for the first time in his illustrious career, left Ronaldo disgruntled. His desire to end his second stint in United so prematurely left sections of the vast United fanbase disgruntled. But in the end, the Portuguese forward had to solemnly let go of his 20-year love affair with the UEFA Champions League.

Having gotten that first goal in the same competition that he wanted to ditch this summer, Ronaldo is up and running. But he still has a lot of ground to make up and still has the weight of expectations on him to lead United’s attack.

But can it be so easy for the highest goalscorer in the beautiful game’s history to overcome this new challenge? Arguably, the toughest one of his career yet.