Man United in 2021: Ronaldo's return, Ole out and Rangnick revolution
Cristiano Ronaldo has joined a Manchester United WhatsApp group as he looks to bring harmony to the club’s dressing room, according to reports. The Portugal international has scored 14 goals since returning from Juventus back in the summer. Yet he’s been stunned by the club’s decline ever since touching down.
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“They are never off their phones and regularly swap exchanges, send jokes and funny clips and chat about stuff like computer games, fashion trends and music.
“Ronaldo is almost twice the age of some of the members of the group and has four children and a pregnant fiance.
“His life is very different to the younger ones who are just starting in the game.
“Some are a bit star-struck by him but are really happy he’s joined the group and are delighted he is messaging everyone and joining in.
“It makes him much more approachable, especially at a time when some of the younger members of the squad have been struggling with form.”
Previously, it’s been suggested Ronaldo is difficult to approach at United.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been having text banter with Man Utd stars such as Marcus Rashford and Lingard (Image: GETTY)
But it seems he’s now doing everything possible to unite the club’s dressing room and get them behind interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
While Ronaldo has scored 14 goals for United this season, his arrival has potentially done more harm than good.
United finished second last term after steady building work done by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But they’re currently facing a big fight to qualify for this season’s Champions League.
And Ronaldo is unlikely to hang around if United find themselves playing in the Europa League, rather than the Champions League next term.
The United star was recently given a dressing down by Rangnick after throwing a strop following the decision to take him off in their 3-1 win over Brentford.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been shocked by the decline of Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
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He said: “The only reaction I got (from Ronaldo) was, 'why me? Why did you take me off?'
“I had to take the decision in the interest of the team and the club. We did the same thing when 2-0 up at Villa and didn't want to make the same mistake again.
“I didn't expect him to hug me after being substituted. I know how goalscoring players think and I had to make this decision.
“I have no issues with Cristiano. He was coming back from injury and hadn't played for one-and-a-half weeks.
“We had the likes of Rashford and Anthony Martial on the bench so why not use it? I would make the same decision again.”