Manchester United have endured a tricky start to the season despite winning four of their five opening fixtures in the Premier League. The sixth game, a home clash with Aston Villa, ended in defeat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, leaving United in a precarious situation.
There was a feeling of optimism at the club when the season began and that was immediately heightened when news broke that Cristiano Ronaldo would be returning to the club.
Ronaldo has scored four goals in as many games since securing his second coming at United and Nemanja Matic has now become the latest first-team player to sing his praises.
“He’s one of the best football players in history, so it’s always good that you’re going to play with him and train with him, so I’m happy,” Matic told BT Sport, according to the Manchester Evening News.
“Everyone is excited, I see him in training also motivated that he is here so I think it was perfect for everyone. He’s always dangerous. He doesn’t need to play well to win the games.
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“His quality is always there when the team is not playing well, he’s always there to score so you need to concentrate from the first until the last minute when playing against him.
“I’m sure he’s going to bring that to our team. He’s always hungry for goals. When you have someone with that experience, with that quality you just need to do your best and to try to give him the ball in the box.”
Ronaldo will be hoping to continue his fine form after failing to score against Aston Villa, the first that has happened since he rejoined the Old Trafford club.
Manchester United welcome Villarreal to Old Trafford on Wednesday – a repeat of last season’s Europa League final. Defeat against Young Boys two weeks ago leaves United desperate for points against Unai Emery’s side, who drew with Atalanta in the first round.
