Manchester United have endured a tough start to the season but for their returning superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, things have worked out just fine in terms of his own goalscoring record.
Ronaldo has scored nine goals in 13 appearances since returning to the club late in the transfer window and despite suggestions that he is hampering this United side, maintains a brilliant record even at 36.
Lionel Messi, who has been rivalling Ronaldo at the summit of European football for over a decade, hasn’t quite met the expectations since his summer move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona.
The Argentina forward has now commented on Manchester United’s struggles this season, insisting the Reds remain ‘strong’ despite their indifferent campaign so far. He also shed some light on what he thinks of Ronaldo’s return.
“United is a very strong team with great players. Cristiano already knew the club, but that was in another stage and now he has adapted in an impressive way,” Messi told Marca, via Sport Witness.
“From the beginning he has scored goals as always and had no problems adapting. In the Premier League things aren’t as we all thought, but it is a very difficult and even competition in which things take a lot of turns. After December it changes a lot and anything can happen
“It’s been a long time since we stopped competing in the same league (Messi and Ronaldo). We competed individually and as a team for the same goals. It was a very beautiful stage for us and also for the people because they enjoyed it very much. It is a beautiful memory that will remain in the history of football.”
Read more: Manchester United in talks with Ernesto Valverde after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacking
SN’s verdict on Messi’s comments…
Let’s be clear about one thing – Messi is smart enough to not say anything out of line. After 15 years at the very highest level, he knows exactly what might be interpreted the wrong way in the media.
Furthermore, his rivalry with Ronaldo is one of the biggest in footballing history and the pair will be hoping to share the main stage once again.
Messi rarely speaks publicly and to expand on locking heads with Ronaldo shows how highly he values his rivalry with the Portuguese star.