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"Cristiano Ronaldo Creates Disharmony, Manchester United Would Be A Better Team Without Him"

"Cristiano Ronaldo Creates Disharmony, Manchester United Would Be A Better Team Without Him"

“He (Ronaldo) causes disunity and disharmony. When the ball does not come to him, he throws his hands up in the air…"

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he's caused 'disharmony' at Manchester United this campaign.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford last summer and finished the campaign as United's top goalscorer by a wide margin, netting 18 times.

The Red Devils failed to qualify for next season's Champions League however and they recorded their lowest Premier League points tally ever.

Liverpool legend John Barnes slammed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner while speaking to William Hill ambassador Robbie Savage, who named Ronaldo as United's standout player.

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Alamy

He said: "I don’t agree with that. I can tell you, if the harmony is better, while Ronaldo won’t be there scoring the goals, the team will be better, they will be winning matches.

"Ronaldo has detracted from Bruno Fernandes, from (Marcus) Rashford, because it’s all been about him. The fans love him and when things don’t go his way, he’s like 'it’s not my fault.'

"That is not what a team is all about. We know Ronaldo has done well for himself, but would you rather have no-one scoring 20 goals a season and United being higher up?"

United's second top scorer was Bruno Fernandes with 10 league goals, but regular wingers Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho failed to score that between them.

Rashford managed just four league goals, while Sancho notched three.

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Alamy

Barnes thinks the England duo have been hampered by Ronaldo up front and says he's impacted their performance.

He continued: "I think they would be higher up, if they had a better team (harmony). Rashford has gone backwards, (Jadon) Sancho’s struggled… Ronaldo is there and he causes disunity and disharmony. A leader doesn’t throw his hands up in the air (when things go wrong), a leader says ‘come on lads, I’m on your team.'

"We’re talking about the harmony of the team, it’s not just Ronaldo’s fault but he detracts from the other players. £80 million for Sancho – he’s not playing, he’s not a main player. He should be the main player. Rashford should be the main player.

"Whoever signed Ronaldo, it’s their fault.

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Alamy

"Do you think if Ronaldo stays next year it’ll be better? Man United have been a failure because he’s been part of that. Now you have to move on from that. Do you think if Ronaldo stays next year they’ll do better? No chance."

Ronaldo was accused of 'whinging' throughout December's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United by former teammate Gary Neville.

Many had wondered if new manager Erik ten Hag would find a place for the 37-year-old in his squad, given his emphasis on possession-based football.

Ten Hag praised Ronaldo in his unveiling on Monday however and is excited to work with the Portugal international going forward.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League