‘Fantastic’ Cristiano Ronaldo praised after Everton milestone – before Man Utd collapse

It was a landmark achievement and despite accusations of declining age, influence and style of play, Rio Ferdinand claimed his goal was further proof that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner “is still making a difference” “.

He told BT Sport: “700 club goals, that’s more appearances than I’ve made, pretty much everyone in our studio (Joe Cole and Joleon Lescott). The total number of times. It’s amazing. If he was on the court, he would be injured.” He was on the bench before this game. He would sit there and think: ‘I should be playing’. This is the answer. As a pro, no matter how old you are, he still comes with something to prove and he delivers. “

It was another big moment for Ronaldo, who has been increasingly questioned as United begin to regain form without him. His side had declined significantly last season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

But few expected that his 700th club goal would be his last for United. Ten Hague was accused of pushing Ronaldo towards the exit, but even he expected more from the striker.

He said immediately after his answer: “When you score 700 goals it’s really impressive. It was a great performance and I’m really happy for him. I congratulate him on his performance and I also It’s great that it’s his first goal of the season. “Premier League – he’ll have to wait and I’m sure there will be more.

“I think every player needs it, even if you are the best player in the world you need it, you need to score goals. I’ve worked with a lot of goalkeepers, especially them, who need goals every season to have that feeling, to validate their instincts. Once they have some goals, they get into it and the game becomes easier. This will happen to him too. “

The predictions of the Ten Witches couldn’t be further from the truth. He hit a blank against Newcastle next time out before being left on the bench in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, leading to another flashpoint with Ten Hague claiming Ronaldo refused Get on the field.

The civil war between Old Trafford’s new manager and one of the team’s greatest managers continues. He was suspended in the draw against Chelsea, then played an important role in the win over West Ham and the loss to Aston Villa, for which he was named captain.

Ronaldo has dominated the narrative of United’s season, which had been fitful until the World Cup break. Alejandro Garnacho hit the headlines after the Portugal star delivered his biggest and final blow in a late win over Fulham.

That night, his infamous interview with Piers Morgan was mocked online before it aired the next day. His agenda is clear – defend his legacy, target the Ten Witches and focus attention on United’s structural and internal neglect. Meanwhile, the club had little choice but to sack him – which they quickly did.

Ferdinand, one of Ronaldo’s strongest defenders, was on the bench under Ten Hag and in the space of just 36 days, Ferdinand went from praising the player to admitting that his behavior was untenable.

I have Speaking on his Five Vibes podcast: “You can’t sit here and defend Cristiano Ronaldo. Deep down I know for a fact that this is all made for one thing. – That’s what got him out of the team Cristiano’s love affair with Manchester United is over in my opinion.

“I don’t think there’s any way back, I don’t think the club will bring him back and I don’t think he wants to come back. It’s all been created for that reason. Before this interview, I thought in his defence, And said the club has a responsibility to communicate better.”

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