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

Issues in Involvement for Ronaldo

Ronaldo has shown the desire to press and try to retrieve the ball higher up the pitch. But this season, he has more touches in the midfield third than any other area. Last season, almost half his touches came in the attacking third. The same tally is for him in the midfield third this campaign.

He cannot be blamed for wanting to be more involved in the gameplay. But for all his efforts, Ronaldo’s positioning has left a lot to be desired from the Portuguese.

The 37-year-old despite his decreased pace is often seen playing deeper, constantly appearing in the midfield to offer additional passing support. But his work in the middle is predominantly tame backpasses. It leads to United needing more time to work around until Ronaldo finds his way in the box, which does not help in hastening their attacking gameplay.

His decrease in pace and his dribbling ability, once his sword and armour, have left him constantly in the wake of quicker and agile Premier League centre-backs who no longer see him as the guy who can outrun or outmuscle them.