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

Manchester United’s Passers and Runners Can Help Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s work can be eased even more considering he has consummate ball players and runners around him.

Utilising the pace and quality of Rashford and Sancho helps him feed off two of England’s most talented wingers. Add in newly signed Antony, Christian Eriksen who has been a revelation for United this season, and Bruno Fernandes and the supply line for Ronaldo could not be better.

Even with Ronaldo, there is not much change in the tactical frame of things for Manchester United. Erik ten Hag who prefers a flowing 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, which he used in the latter parts of the wins against Liverpool and Arsenal, can accommodate Ronaldo as the lone striker.

4-3-3 Formation with Ronaldo:

But with so much pace, dribbling and passing quality around him, Erik ten Hag can work better by keeping Ronaldo central and getting his team to deliver crosses and through balls and trust in CR7’s supreme finishing ability. Ten Hag can take inspiration from the template he followed with Sebastien Haller, which led to Haller scoring 47 goals in 66 games in the duo’s time at Ajax.

4-2-3-1 Formation with CR7:

Ronaldo still takes close to four shots a game and makes close to five progressive carries per game. Therefore, this added to his non-penalty xG of 0.49 still makes him a very potent option (if 699 club career goals do not). Coming off the bench in games could also help as Ronaldo will face more tired defenders who he can exploit.

The wingback duo of Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot have improved United’s crossing ability. Along with Eriksen, this adds to more and better crosses in the box. Ronaldo will be better served using his predatory instincts in the box.