Manchester City were interested in Cristiano Ronaldo before Manchester United brought him back to Old Trafford over the summer, but Trevor Sinclair believes the Premier League defending champions have “dodged a bullet” by not signing him.
The 36-year-old has scored 14 goals and made three assists in 22 appearances across the board this season but has failed to score in six of his last nine league games. Ronaldo doesn’t appear to be enjoying himself under interim manager Ralf Rangnick either, so his future in the North-West is uncertain.
Ronaldo signed a two-year-deal with United in August but could be cutting that short if reports are to be believed. The 6ft 1in Portuguese international, who boasts 115 goals in 184 caps, has been called out for bad body language of late, so Sinclair believes City are better off without him.
He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I’m starting to think that Manchester City dodged a bullet by not signing Cristiano. I really think that. He’s got to know his role. You’re a footballer, hired by the football club, keep your mouth shut at times – that’s what you’ve got to do.
“I think he’s causing a lot of problems at the football club. Not just his lack of goals in recent times but the fact that Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer)’s gone, and then Michael (Carrick) went in and dropped him for a game. I just feel it’s been one of those signings where it’s looked good, but it’s far from good.
“I think he just wants to do what he wants for him, and it’s not the best for the club.” Ronaldo has made 916 career appearances, scoring 688 goals with 232 assists. He knows where the back of the net is and would have been a good replacement for Sergio Aguero, but Pep Guardiola doesn’t tolerate players with a bad attitude.
United are 7th in the Premier League and four points adrift of the Champions League spots, so Ronaldo’s return to OT hasn’t had the desired effect.
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