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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Ignored His Staff’s Concerns Over Big Money Signing

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Ignored His Staff’s Concerns Over Big Money Signing

A new report suggests that several individuals at the club were in two minds over the proposed deal.

Tom Fenton

Tom Fenton

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Old Trafford was heralded as a major statement of intent for Manchester United, who managed to steal the player from under City's nose in the closing days of the summer transfer window.

And yet, despite the optics, not everybody at United was convinced that the prodigal son's return would yield success.

According to a new report, several key members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's staff expressed concern over the signing to the manager.

History shows that those concerns were essentially ignored, as the 36-year-old's transfer from Juventus to United was confirmed on Deadline Day.

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PA

Solksjaer received tremendous backing during the summer, as Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho were also recruited for big money - with the England international costing the club £76 million from Borussia Dortmund.

Both deals, given the player's age and reputations in the world of football, made a great deal of sense, but in the case of Ronaldo, there was a worrying amount of resistance to the deal from those within the club itself.

The crux of the issue appears to be the former Real Madrid man's perceived work rate - or late thereof.

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PA

The Times (Via Metro UK) claim that having repeatedly stressed the need for his side to be the 'fittest in the league', it was felt Ronaldo's attitude towards pressing and tracking back didn't fit with the gaffer's overall message.

The Norwegian had worked extensively to improve Anthony Martial's work rate off the ball, while the contributions of Edinson Cavani, in spite of the forward's age, are clear for all to see whenever he steps onto the pitch.

Signing Ronaldo, therefore, dents Solskjaer's credibility in that regard, as the Portuguese international hasn't exactly been known for his relentless desire to close the ball down in recent years.

In the 48-year-old's defence, who was fired on Sunday morning following his side's shocking 4-1 loss to Watford, Ronaldo has at least rewarded his faith in terms of goal output.

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PA

The Number 7 has scored nine times so far this season, which has included a handful of match-winning strikes.

With the search now on for Solskjaer's replacement, whoever does get appointed will have the unenviable task of getting the very best out of Ronaldo, whilst also keeping the rest of the squad content.

Is having Ronaldo in your squad still more of a blessing than a curse?

Let us know in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Darren Fletcher, Cristiano Ronaldo