Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Manchester United’s decision to bring back Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘not 100% rational’ and believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces a big challenge retaining the balance of his team.
The 36-year-old decided to leave Juventus towards the end of the transfer window, and it didn’t take United long to show an interest after the media reported that the Portuguese superstar was Man City bound.
There was no way United were going to let him join the noisy neighbours, and it has been remarkable to see how many opinions changed over a matter of days, when it was eventually announced that Ronaldo would re-join the Red Devils. We are looking at you, Trevor Sinclair.
However, Wenger believes it is a great ‘love story’ to see Ronaldo back in a United shirt but thinks it could be difficult for Solskjaer to retain the balance of his team.
“This is a love story that you want to see,” Wenger said on BILD LIVE, as quoted by the Metro. “[He was re-signed] for more than just sporting reasons, it’s also emotional. I think the decision is not 100 per cent rational. Finding a balance in the team is a big challenge. But players with a lot of experience still score a lot.”
Wenger also told his story about how close Arsenal had come to signing Ronaldo when he was a teenager at Sporting Lisbon.
The Frenchman added: “He was at our training ground and even wore an Arsenal jersey! But we could only pay €4million (£3.4m) back then. [Sir Alex] snatched him from me! And for €12m (£10.2m).”
We’re sure in hindsight Ronaldo feels he made the right decision.
Ronaldo didn’t make “the right decision” joining United; Arsenal could not afford him. I’m sure you read and understood those Wenger quotes!
thats arsenal problem they cant spend
Lol they spent this season haven’t they. let’s see we’re they finish up though b cos them signing are not moulded for there style of play but let’s see. arteta will be gone soon 6 games and no points
Wenger just feels as sore as how any Manchester United fan felt on hearing CR7 was about to join our noisy neighbor’s.
The truth is that, United signed him not knowing what to expect. But for brotherly love to continue.