I have got stick from readers of this blog for criticising Cristiano Ronaldo for not working hard enough and throwing strops on the field at a drop of a hat.
This opinion was vindicated by Sir Alex Ferguson who told the media he’d had words with our winger about his behaviour and attitude.
Ronaldo came off the bench that day and tracked back on numerous occasions, even when he hadn’t lost possession in the first place, showing a massive improvement in the work ethic he had shown previously. He started to look like that player we all worshipped the season before.
My opinion on Ronaldo’s season, which is shared by many, has been vindicated further by the player himself, who says he has no problem with what Ferguson has said and wants to learn from the manager.
“It is not a problem,” Ronaldo said. “I always respect the manager and coaches because I want to learn. If he says that it is because he thinks it is true. But I think I have been playing well and I have scored a few important goals.”
Man Utd News 24/7
damn right it’s not a problem, when fergie talks u fucking listen…. it’s about time he starts working hard like the rest of the players…but i gotta say he’s improved his work rate in the last couple of games and i hope he keeps it up..
It was the kick up the backside he needed.Things can only get better now.10-12 games away from a memorable season.Here’s hoping.
There’s a big difference between Fergie telling him something and endless attacks from supporters, which if anything further alienated him. I see no evidence the vilification of the last few months improved Ronaldo’s performances. It’s the same with attacks on other players (with different problems) such as John O’Shea, who Fergie keeps having to give extravagant praise in order to off-set the damage to his morale and confidence done by United fans.
Good point Giles.
Did you see ronaldo tracking back last night a couple of times? he’s certinly listening to sir alex’s words.
im not convinced i wanna see track on back on a wet windy day when things are goin against the team … thats the measure of a player..
Giles – your point would make more sense if Ronaldo actually read RoM.
This is a blog for opinions of United fans. It’s not used as a morale booster for players. That’s the managers job. It just so happened that the opinion I’ve stated on here for months is an opinion shared by the manager and since the manager has let his opinion known to the player, his performances and work rate have improved massively.
fair point, scott, but i would argue that sites like this influence other fans in the terraces opinion, which in turn influences their level of support or criticism on match day. And i promise u the players will notice
I hate to be a bit cynical but let me fire a dose of reality in here…who in god’s name would not track back week after week with your team-mates shouting at you regularly (something which the cameras never pick up because it’s off the ball) and throw tantrums on the floor when you get a bit of a strong challenge instead of trying to win the ball back?? The answer is only Ronaldo….he was obviously a lot better on wednesday but it shouldn’t need a manager to have to say to your star player ‘can you start trying again’….
it’s ridiculous, and now here we all are grateful he’s tried properly (as he always should) in one match which was a champs. league quarter final in his home country after getting a bit of a bollocking, how long will it last? He seems quite sound and that behind the scenes but I’m afraid his attitude and arrogance gets the better of him too often, great player, great goal but he won’t be at united within two years, and it’s a bit of a sad fact that the writing is on the wall…I can’t think of a situation comparable to the one we are in with him…The devil is in the detail as they say, Torres today says he may want to play in Serie A one day but then he enthuses about Liverpool, the way he is treated, the players around him and he wants to be there for many years yet…the word to describe him is humble…Henry, arrogant prick, but who can say that he still doesn’t consider himself an Arsenal fan, in near perfect english you always him speaking about Arsenal, how he watches all their games, supports them etc…There is a man that married an English woman (now divorced) but had engaged with the whole package, the country and everything…Then you’ve got Ronaldo, his statements are quasi-robotoc, pre-prepared and totally unconvincing because as an intelligent lad, he knows how far he has to go without in future sounding like a complete hypocrite…5 years in this country and he can still hardly string three sentences together, everyone knows he doesn’t like it that much etc…
If you gather all the salient facts, you arrive at the conclusion that he wants a fresh challenge…It doesn’t matter that Real aren’t great at the moment, that will be the challenge for Ron to make them great again, that’s the kind of person he is and fair play to him, he’s done enough for us but can we give all this Scott bashing a break because he was right, stick to your guns, one game doesn’t change everything. Then again, what do I know, as I said, I’m pretty cynical.
Scott, I’m a supporter and I see my role, small though it is of course, is to help the team, players and manager to win things. It’s irrelevant if Ronaldo or the other players read what you or other bloggers say,because it’s been widely reported across the media that United fans have been disillusioned with Ronaldo and that’s at least partly based on journalists reading what you and others have been saying. I don’t dispute your right to say what you like, football’s all about opinion, and I enjoy a good argument between people who know what they are talking about. But to me it’s far more important to get the best out of the players than to be proved right or wrong.I don’t accept that it’s only the manager’s job to help morale. If you want United to win things, it’s your responsibility too. I happen to think the attacks on Ronaldo have been counter-productive, part of the problem, not the solution, although I certainly don’t deny there has been a problem. The Porto game was not the only time he’s played well, incidentally, and it remains the case that he’s top scorer and consistently the player most likely to win matches for United. Last night Fergie clarified that he was talking about Ronaldo’s attitude to refs, which has certainly been a large part of problem. Coming back to what I said about John O’Shea, it’s obvious that Fergie felt he had to talk up his contribution to the team precisely because of destructive comments in sites like this. Lots of players are very computer literate, and not stupid, so it’s human nature to want to know what fans are saying about them. I bet lots of players do read your blog, and quite right too, it’s the best United one around. I enjoy what you write, but I don’t always agree, and I have other priorities. If you look back at the panicky, over-emotional reaction to the recent blip, here and elsewhere, you can see how a kind of negative feeding frenzy happened, filtering back through the media generally and affecting the mood on the terraces, which has amplified the anxiety levels all round. You could also see how Liverpool were picking up on United supporters’ fear-levels, giving them new hope and energy. They sensed United had wobbled, and that was at least partly because of the torrent of criticism being poured onto United players’ heads, much of it unfair and very destructive. I think we as supporters have to be a lot more canny about how to use these sites, not just to sound off, but to think carefully about the impact of words, think strategically. I’ve been trying to counteract the mood of negativity and to re-think how supporters can influence events from afar. I know I’m only one voice among many so I have very little chance to influence how this season pans out, but , as I say, my only motive for contributing here is to see United win things.
Scott the Red Said,April 17th, 2009 @0:22
Giles – your point would make more sense if Ronaldo actually read RoM.
I know for a FACT he does read RoM.
Dear Cristiano Ronaldo,
This is my pre-emptive farewell letter. Football is my vice a place I escape to in order to hide from the realities of a harsh world. It is a place which defies logic and rationale goes out of the window. Only passion burns and loyalty breathes. This passion I reserve for Manchester united and my loyalty remains in good and bad times.
Last summer Ronaldo, you robbed me of my joy of winning the league and champions league. No sooner had the celebrations died down in Moscow, before I could even rub it in the face of my rivals, you destroyed it with your antics. Fine, you remained, but i no longer supported you with my heart, i support you in my mind somthing am not supposed to bring along win I support my club. You are a player and thats it. I understand that you are a professional and have goals and aspirations,I please ask that you abruplty leave and not torture me and others alike like you did last summer.
I have marveled at your ability and stood in awe at your technique but I ask kindly, that you leave.I would rather have two darren Fletcher’s, 5 wayne rooneys, 6 carlos tevez and a 4 Ji sung parks, who proudly kiss the badge when they play than a fleet of Ronaldo’s.
Thank you for everything, but united has won trophies before you and will win after you, we’ve had the best players and more will come after you. You wil remain a memory in my head and not in my heart. Its logical to keep you but my heart should not skip each time your name and madrid are mentioned in the same sentence.
Thankyou and God Speed
MY BLOOD IS RED, MY HEART IS UNITED, MY SOUL IS OLD TRAFFORD. ONE LOVE,ONE LIFE, ONE UNITED
Jesus.
“Dear John” letters to players?
Well done Ronaldo for listening to the boss. It’s what we have to do in our jobs, your no different! But anyhow, why would you NOT listen to Fergie, or to us, the fans? Do you think for one moment we don’t want the same goals as you? We want you to be the best you can possibly be. We want the team to be the best it can possibly be. We want to win every trophy there is. We want you, and this current crop of players to go down in history, not just United’s history, or English history, but world history as one of the greatest ever players in one of the greatest ever teams i.e. Gullit, Van Basten in Milan ’88-94, Cruyff in Ajax mid 70′s. When people look back at past football in 30, 50, or 100 years we want them to talk about the great United team of (say) ’07-’13, and Ronaldo, and Rooney as 2 of the greatest players the worlds seen, alongside Best, Pele, and Maradona. We just want the best from you, and for you. So when you get criticism, it’s for your own good.
The voyeur, just like your manager, always worried about whats happening anywhere else but your own domain. As your learned manager would put it “you are an idiot le extraodinare”
yep i mean you genre kelly, the name says it all, such a cunt
“As your learned manager would put it “you are an idiot le extraodinare”
He wouldn’t put it like that, he has conversational French.
He might say…
“Vous êtes un idiot complet!”
or
“Sie sind ein kompletter Idiot!”
or
“You are a complete idiot!
or maybe…
¡Usted es un idiota completo! (Risas de Cesc Fabregas mucho en esta broma!)
He could also say…
“Siete un idiota completo!”
or perhaps he would be feeling particularly cheeky and say…
“完全な馬鹿である!”
Ferguson would slur something but he’d be so pissed that no one would understand him.
Regarding the ‘Dear John’ letter above, I rather have 2 Rio, 2 Vidic , 2 Rafael & 2 Evra and the rest remain the same.
I’d rather have the same team as of now with a more mature and further changed Cristiano Ronaldo.
He is our player since he was a kid. He has made only one mistake though i have not forgiven him but would let him win me over as long as he stays at this club.
Till he is at OT, he ll always have the chance to win me over.
really giles or anyone else
what the fuck is wrong with john oshea
he’s there at the top since 01
he’s the only ever united player to play ever position
and there is not too mnyy players who could do that
Giles your spot on with the negativity of United fans in here or other blogs with the recent poor run.every team goes through such phases in a season & we all should be behind our team even more than to criticize them.
@gotta hate tiny tears
If thats the criteria, then how many United players score a free kick like THAT one against Portsmouth, score like he did day before.
You are being sort of ‘anyone but Ronaldo’ here.
The issue is not that, the issue is that he hurt us and now every little negative thing he does seems something more than that to us.
Had he not done what he did in the summer, his criticism this season would have been a tad bit lighter.
As Waynethepain rightly said,i dont need a heartbreak again so he should leave.Utd fans in Nigeria has been obsessed with him since he did not allow us to enjoy our double success.He should ask himself that if he was at Madrid before the world cup and he had Raul sent off in a match that they knocked spain off,will
1.Raul forgive him?
2.Real madrid players welcome him back?
3.Will madrid protect him from the spanish press?
Go,let Juande Ramos make you a world best in a team Raul,Nistelrooy,Robben will not give you a chance to express yourself.
Firestarter ?? i wasnt talkin about anyone but oshea
i speak very highly of ronaldo when i talk about him, because when he plays for the team he is one of the best
i dont wanna lose ronaldo
One point to make.
He scores goals, he wins us the games, the goal against Porto was brilliant and so fuc**** well timed. We could afford to stay home and not risk anything.
He has his weaknesses but everyone else has.
He is the way he is and he is class. There is a place for improvement everytime, but you just can not demand him to be perfect. But maybe this is the problem ? Yoг want him to be perfect simply because he is the best player in the world ? What about unnecesary Vidic’s red cards, Rooney’s emotions etc ?
“Why can’t you listen to music like normal people? No one’s normal, Mom. No such thing as normal people.”
So Giles, instead of writing things how I see them, I should just write positively about every aspect of the club?
“It was a fantastic idea for Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Wayne Rooney with Richard Eckersley when we were in desperate need of a goal. The result was United going on to concede three, but who cares, the manager is wonderful and every player in our squad is always fantastic!”
“Ronaldo did happen to spend half of the game sat on his arse today, but never mind! He scored a really great goal two weeks ago and we love him!”
“So, Vidic got himself sent off again for drop kicking an opponent off the ball, meaning he will be missing for the FA Cup final, but never mind. It was funny to see the violence and I’m sure we’ll be just fine without him!”
Christ, this is a football blog for opinions. I’m not going to curb my opinion for fear that United players read it or that United fans may be influenced by it. I haven’t sung any of Ronaldo’s songs this season – that hasn’t stopped other people in Old Trafford doing it.
If I think he’s being a lazy arse, I’ll say it and do so guilt-free. If I think he’s had a wonderful game, I’ll say it, without believing I can be thanked personally for boosting his morale.
We’re being a bit touchy aren’t we Scott, with a long sarcastic rebuttal to an attack I didn’t make? I never suggested you should refrain from saying what you think, I’m just saying I disagree with you on some – not all- of what you’ve been saying repeatedly about Ronaldo. You’re a blogger, I’m a supporter, and while you kindly give me space on your excellent site to write about United I’ll say what I think about what you think. All I want is United to play the best football on the planet and win every trophy going, not much to ask, I know, and to that end I’ll keep saying what I think will help achieve those aims.
Gotta hate tiny tears, I don’t know why people have got in in for John O’Shea. I’ve always liked him and think he’s been a crucial part of United’s success. He never complains or whinges, he’s never selfish, he’s clearly well-liked and respected within the team, and he plays in almost every position (beaten only by the great Gentleman Johnny Carey in the ’40s/ early ’50s, who played everywhere except,I think, left wing.) His flick on against Porto creating the chance that Vidic missed was typical of his versatility, and I was glad most people admitted he’d had a good game. It speaks volumes that Fergie felt he had to say that O’Shea should have been on the PFA shortlist for player of the year. He did that to counteract the corrosive effect of all the criticism he faces week in week out from people exercising their right to say what they think.
Giles – Do you really think Ferguson is going to say publically what he said to Ronaldo? It clearly wasn’t just about the refs, in the first interview that Ferguson gave on the matter he clearly alluded to the fact that it was all aspects, Ferguson couldn’t give a toss if Ronaldo has a go at the ref 5 times in a match but hardly ever loses the ball and tracks back etc…That was clearly the problem, his overall attitude, it’s just simpler for Ferguson to publically mask it by discussing Ronaldo’s ‘victim’ status, rather than his poor effort…
Also, I couldn’t give a toss if the United players read this blog, they would soon stop reading it if it didn’t actually reflect people’s opinions, and it was just propaganda…Propaganda doesn’t make for very interesting reading for anybody…Scott’s quite rational, he often says O’ Shea is a good squad player but I’m sure the player himself is aware he is not the best, sad fact but true…My heartbeat gets a couple of beats faster when O’ Shea gets the ball, but invariably he does well and he played well on Wednesday, it’s up to him to prove people wrong, no-one is ‘destroying’ him with comments on ROM. You’re a bit of a narcissist mate to think you are affecting the title race in any way with your opinions, and Scott has the ability to tailor the attitudes of the United players on a match day…It has a microscopic impact, it’s a blog for people to offer their opinions etc and other people to read, or journalists to copy and paste from…I want United to win things, but not at the expense of my independent thoughts, that’s more important than United, as I’m sure it is for a lot of other people on here. When you are at the game, support the players as much as possible, on a blog do what you want – there are enough poeple writing on here to weed out any distorted views. Oh and anxiety is human nature so unless you are considering starting up a new species, give it a break, it’s what makes football brilliant, this title race would have been immensely boring without a bit of anxiety, now when we win the title, it will feel ten times better.
that was a response to your first post btw
Good points Jake, and don’t worry, I don’t think my views make a jot of difference, at least on their own. But I do think collectively these sites do have an impact and you could see there was a period when United fans really did lose their nerve getting things completely out of proportion. And that mood spread to the team. I was at the Fulham defeat and it was so clear to see, with lesser players looking scared to get the ball, at least until Rooney came on and so nearly turned it round. That’s when the fight-back began.It’s not any single one of us that makes an impact, but together we do. That’s why it’s important what people say at this critical stage in the season. I’m not asking for propaganda or trying to shut anyone up, just telling it as I see it, just like everyone else.
Giles – I’m not being touchy at all, I’m just trying to highlight my feelings on what you’re saying. It’s not like every single post I make on this blog is tearing Ronaldo to shreds but even if I was, I can’t agree that it would make ANY difference to how he performs.
Of course we share the same aims, wanting United to do well, and of COURSE I actually want Ronaldo to play well and try. I was made up to see how he did against Sunderland in just those 20 minutes. When Ferguson revealed after the game he had a word it made sense, because Ronaldo’s effort was SO different to how it’s been all season.
But as a blog, this is supposed to be reflective of what is going on at the team. I’m not going to pretend every player is perfect and every performance is brilliant just so it can have a positive effect on the fans and players. Firstly, because I don’t see how my blog effects either of those things and secondly, it would be entirely pointless for me to never criticise and only praise, because that is not reflecting reality, so what’s the point?
Fair reply, except I’m not saying you shouldn’t criticise, something I have taken care repeatedly to say. I criticise United myself, so why would I try to stop anyone else, especially as it would make no difference? Nor am I trying to get you to make out how everything is perfect, equally pointless.In previous contributions I have tried to analyse what’s been going wrong with Ronaldo, which acknowledges there is a problem. I don’t quite agree with you about the issue, but that’s neither here nor there, as I wasn’t trying to shut you up. Actually my main target was other contributors, not you.I don’t believe any of our individual comments makes much difference, but sites like yours set the tone and create a mood not only among immediate readers but beyond in a ripple effect, sometimes because the wider media pick up on things (not always attributed) and eventually have an effect on the players. I thought there was something very alarming about how quickly some United supporters panicked after Liverpool, which was gleefully picked up by our opponents. Others have clearly agreed with me that there was too much negativity, not from you specifically, but generally, and I think others who have been attending matches are conscious that this is a real factor. Today I was talking to one of the people I play football with, a QPR fan, who’s absolutely not ABU, and he spontaneously asked , ‘What’s wrong with the Old Trafford crowd? They never seem to get behind the team like Man City did last night? They only sing when you’re winning!’ He noticed the amazing difference to the crowd after Macheda scored.His explanation was that United fans are spoiled by success, that we expect to win everything and sit back waiting for it to happen. To rub it in he went on to say, ‘Bet you wish you’d got the Anfield crowd behind you!’ There’s very little I can do as an individual except use words to try to make a difference. I’m sorry if that seems to be demanding party-line propaganda and a silencing of dissent, as I’m honestly not up for that. All teams are only as strong as their weakest link which is maybe why I get protective of some of the ‘squad’ players, who need all the support we can give them when they are knackered or having to play out of position and in unfamiliar line-ups. If you look at the successful seasons and the un-successful ones you can clearly see that at some point there’s a wobble. It’s how the players handle that that counts, and the fans have a big part to play in that. In as far as your blog is one of the few ways to get through to other supporters I think my plea to think carefully about what is said is not unreasonable. But please let’s not fall out over this.
Giles – do you go to OT much? Not because I’m questioning your support for the team, but I’d like to think that someone who was a regular at OT wouldn’t let a QPR fan rip us on our atmosphere.
The Liverpool crowd, the Kop, the best fans in the World, at Anfield BOOED Liverpool off the pitch after they drew 0-0 with West Ham this season. Compare that with us who sung our players off the park after getting battered 4-1 by Liverpool.
And don’t even get me started on City. I’ve watched plenty of City games, more when they played at Maine Road, and they’re the most miserable bunch of fans I’ve ever come across. The away fans don’t need to do the slating, they can’t help themselves from slagging off all their players. They never sell out the ground (apart from when we’re there) and they showed up for Hamburg. Well, United fans can show up in massive sound for our biggest games of the season too. And when it’s not the biggest game of the season, we’re still a lot louder and more supportive than the media and ABUs would make out.
I understand your point about getting behind the team. I do get behind the team. There are plenty of players who have had shocking games this season or just generally aren’t good enough, but they work their bollocks off for the team, so allow it as a wobble, or poor form, or just generally not good enough ability. Ronaldo is the only player I have singled out for repeated criticism because he hasn’t worked hard enough. If he continues to work hard like he did against Sunderland and Porto, I will support him, regardless of whether he’s scoring every week or not. If he reverts back to how he was, I will criticise him, regardless of whether he’s scoring every week or not.
Giles – Kinda related to your post but are you not in your sixties? (seem to remember you saying you were or late fifties). Still playing football, you must keep yourself extremely fit. Respect.
Ps got to agree with Scott on the subject of fans and atmosphere.
Yes, I’m 63 and still playing, except I’ve just had to have 2 eye operations with a third to come which has kept me out recently. I can’t quite ‘roll back the years’ like Giggsy, but I can still Bend it Like Beckham – on a good day anyway…Actually I play right back and my pals call me Gary Nev on a good day, and Phil Nev on a not such a good day. On atmosphere, my QPR pal was only talking about City last night, not generally. I think it’s brilliant that United fans were singing even after the 1-4, but it’s also true that thousands had left, some of whom have since apologised on this very site. I can’t understand people who leave early. I’ve never done that, ever. Carrick, Rooney and and other players have been asking for more support, saying how important it is, so those of you able to go to OT, let it rip! I’ll be at Wembley, so I’ll do my best there.
@ Giles Oakley
think it’s brilliant that United fans were singing even after the 1-4, but it’s also true that thousands had left, some of whom have since apologised on this very site. I can’t understand people who leave early. I’ve never done that, ever.
—-
sad, very sad. i watch games on TV and sometimes what i hear and see don’t make me proud.
such is the nature of some of our supporters. they can afford to pay for the season ticket and leave the game when they want to.
And i think even Scott can’t deny that the times have changed.
I will be extremely happy if someone will prove me wrong.
I agree with all the sentiments expressed but while not wanting to be too soft on Ronaldo I do think we have to cut him some slack in view of all that has “come at him” over the last 12 months. (That needs explaining!!)
I honestly can’t remember any footballer never mind one is his early 20′s who’s had so much personal success and world attention in a single season. Forty two goals, the double, PFA player of the year for the second time, world player of the year, capatain of Portugal, etc etc. The truth is there would have to be something odd about Ronaldo if it didn’t go to his head!
I believe his problem this season is that he’s tried too hard to live up to his image of what the best player in the world should play like. Without making this post any longer … it’s not what he thinks it is and my hope and belive is that with SAF’s help he’s slowly starting to understand that.
If Ronaldo can now go on to finish this season in the form that he hit last year, I think it will prove to be a huge turning point for him and his career at United. Fergie will be vindicated for sticking with him, Ronaldo will know he’s truly being “looked after” and he might just realize his potential to be the all time best.
The alternative (and I’m hoping Ronaldo and his advisors see this) is that he goes to the circus in Madrid and his form and career evaporate as he again tries again to live up to a mistaken image.