.png)
Micah Richards So Stunned By Cristiano Ronaldo Claim, He Was Left Speechless Live On-Air
Richards had to compose himself before giving an answer.
Micah Richards defended Cristiano Ronaldo after being told Wolves striker Raul Jimenez was a better all-round player live on-air.
Wolves ran out 1-0 winners at Old Trafford on Monday evening thanks to Joao Moutinho's long-range effort.
Jimenez tested goalkeeper David de Gea a number of times while running the defence ragged alongside Daniel Podence and Francisco Trincao.
Chris Sutton claimed on BBC Five Live that Jimenez is above Ronaldo and fellow United striker Edinson Cavani as a complete striker right now.
"You look at him and his movement and the way that he works for the team... he’s better than Cavani and Ronaldo," Sutton claimed.
Richards could only muster a response of: "What? What? Come on…"
Sutton quickly fired back: "I’m telling you he’s more of a team player and this is the issue Manchester United have at the moment."
Ronaldo returned to United in the summer and has 14 goals in 22 games so far, while Cavani has been a cult hero since arriving as a free agent in 2020.
Former Manchester City defender Richards kept it real with his reply and explained: "He played better today than Cavani and Ronaldo, yes.
"Cavani has built his career on running in behind, playing on the defender’s shoulder, smart and cute movement. He’s one of the best at it.
"You look at Cavani, he's a year older than me, so he’s coming towards the end of his career.
"We are talking about strikers... who has scored more goals this season, Ronaldo or Jimenez?
"We’re not talking about Man United as a whole, we’re talking about the strikers. You’ve said Jimenez is better than Cavani and Ronaldo - you’ve given your argument and I’ve asked a simple question ‘who has scored more goals.’"
Ronaldo and Cavani started up front together, a combination which worked to fine effect in a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in October.
But both men were frustrated throughout Wolves were good value for their first win at the Theatre of Dreams since 1980.
United are four points behind Arsenal in fourth place and it's interim manager Ralf Rangnick's first defeat in charge.
Rangnick admitted post-match it was a poor performance, with the only bright spot being Phil Jones' return.
The England international made his first appearance since January 2020 and was arguably United's best outfield player.
Featured Image Credit: BBC & AlamyTopics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Jimenez, Micah Richards, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United, Edinson Cavani
Daniel Marland