Man United in 2021: Ronaldo's return, Ole out and Rangnick revolution
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly snubbed Manchester United fans wanting an autograph after his side’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday. The Portugal international drew a blank for the sixth game in a row as the Red Devils laboured throughout the showdown. And that means he’s now on his longest goal drought for over a decade.
United were good in the first half against Southampton, with Jadon Sancho’s strike putting them ahead.
However, the Red Devils regressed after the break and ended up drawing after Che Adams netted for the visitors.
Throughout the encounter, it was clear Ronaldo was frustrated.
The Portugal international cut a subdued figure during the game, managing just two shots on target - with one effort cleared off the line after he’d successfully rounded Fraser Forster.
Ronaldo clapped United fans on the pitch after the game, having previously stormed down the tunnel on occasions throughout the campaign.
Yet The Sun say that, after the game, the 37-year-old ‘refused to play ball’ when it came to signing autographs for supporters.
Cristiano Ronaldo toiled as Man Utd slipped to Southampton draw (Image: GETTY)
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Yet Arsenal can move five points clear of the Red Devils if they win their two matches in hand.
Ronaldo has never played in the Europa League throughout his glittering career, with the Portugal international accustomed to playing at the highest level.
So it’ll be interesting to see how things play out.
Ralf Rangnick admitted he felt the veteran should have netted against Southampton on Saturday, saying: "He would have wished to have scored, I would have wished him to score, the whole team would have.
"He had good chances - one of the biggest chances in the game when he went past the goalkeeper but it was cleared."
Cristiano Ronaldo was in no mood for Man Utd fans after Southampton draw (Image: GETTY)
Former Newcastle star Alan Shearer, meanwhile, has insisted Ronaldo isn’t to blame for United’s plight.
The veteran is on his longest goal drought in 13 years, having gone seven matches without netting for the Red Devils in the 2008/2009 season.
Yet Shearer said: “Ronaldo must be thinking; ‘What have I walked into’?
“He is an unbelievable player – one of the greatest to have ever strode the planet – but he is also 37.
“He rallies against being left out or being taken off because the very essence of his make-up is the unparalleled will to win and a determination never to be beaten.
“He wants to play every single minute of every match and once that attitude goes, Ronaldo goes. But, of course, it also puts pressure on the manager.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has gone six games without a goal for Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
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He then added: “I don’t blame Ronaldo for anything that’s going on there.
“He has every right to believe that if it wasn’t for him they’d be far worse off than they are. He would be correct.
“Having Ronaldo at the club should be a dream for younger players and if they’re not asking him advice and soaking it all up, then they well should be. For me, it’s a false narrative.
“The hard questions should be asked about their pathetic defending, or lack of it. Ronaldo isn’t making excuses. He’s fuming at the chaos and demanding better.”
Ronaldo will be hoping to start when United lock horns with Brighton on Tuesday night (8.15pm).