Rio Ferdinand Questions Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Decision to Bench Cristiano Ronaldo

Strategic Insights -

Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the Manchester United bench for the first time this season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Everton. The decision was questioned by Rio Ferdinand, who pointed out that other top scorers, such as Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero, would not be benched despite being in form. With Ronaldo set to face Qatar and Luxembourg in international fixtures during the next week, Ferdinand argued that the 36-year-old could have been spared from the starting lineup. Despite the draw, Ferdinand was also critical of Solskjaer's decision to make five changes to the starting lineup, which ultimately cost United the match.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rio Ferdinand questioned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo, citing the top scorer's recent form and previous instances of other top scorers being fielded despite being in form.
  • Solskjaer explained his decision by stating that he wanted to "freshen it up" against Everton, but Ferdinand argued that the 36-year-old could have been given a week's rest during the international break.
  • Ferdinand likened the situation to that of Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero, who were not benched despite being in form, and questioned whether Ronaldo's recent performances would be enough to justify his omission from the starting XI.
  • Solskjaer made five changes to the starting lineup, which ultimately cost United the match, with Ferdinand describing it as a "big call" and a "brave" decision.
  • The draw means that Manchester United have won just two of their last six games in all competitions, with both victories coming from last-gasp goals.
  • Ronaldo entered the fray just before the equaliser and could have started the match, according to Ferdinand.
  • Ronaldo will face Qatar and Luxembourg in international fixtures during the week following the match.

Statistics:

  • Cristiano Ronaldo has scored five goals in five games for Manchester United.
  • Harry Kane has also scored five goals in five games for Tottenham Hotspur, a comparison Ferdinand drew to illustrate his point about Ronaldo.
  • Manchester United have won just two of their last six games in all competitions.
  • Two of those victories came from last-gasp goals, scored by Jesse Lingard against West Ham United and Cristiano Ronaldo against Villarreal.

Sources:

  • BT Sport
  • Manchester Evening News
  • The Telegraph