Ronaldo Reacts To Ferguson’s Criticism – Could This Be The Turning Point

It’s plain to see Ronaldo hasn’t been as good as he was last season, in fact he’s been poor.

I’m not talking about the number of goals he’s scored or even his overall performance. It’s been his attitude.

I’ve been tearing my hair out (which isn’t a good idea when your as follicly challenged as I am!) and some times even embarrassed when he throws one of his tantrums on the pitch.

At times it’s cost us.

Instead of tracking back and helping the team he’s been whining to the ref or flapping his arms about complaining to the gods, while leaving his team mates in the crapper.

The game against Villa was a classic example, after giving the ball away he made no attempts to get it back or to help defend. Villa went on to score within seconds.

Step In Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson decided enough was enough and had a word with Ronaldo

No, I don’t accept that he will give goals away because of the player he is, I speak to him about it. I don’t accept that from anyone

In European football, if you give the ball away it takes a long time to get it back.

He always feels he’s not getting the proper protection from referees and I think that, maybe, in quite a few cases he is right, and a few cases he is not right.

It’s hard when a player who wants to entertain doesn’t get everything his own way. But you can’t get everything your own way.

He understands that and there’s not a problem with that. It’s just a frustration that he feels he doesn’t get the decision and he gets upset about it

I think, obviously, he doesn’t enjoy that and he knows he’s letting himself down more than anything

He holds his hands up. I have had to remind him about that but I’m not getting into what has been said.

It was the first time I can remember Fergie saying something critical of Ronaldo in public. He may have done it behind closed doors but never to the press.

Most mangers wouldn’t have taken such a big risk of openly criticising their best player, a player who during the summer openly admitted he wanted to join another club.

But Fergie, the best man manger football has ever seen, knew exactly what to say and when to say it.

And he’s got the response he was looking for.

The second leg against Porto Ronaldo scored probably his best goal ever, (when you consider some of the goals he’s scored that’s no easy task) and also put in a team performance, tracking back when the team needed him, running down the clock and playing up front, a position he says he doesn’t really like playing in.

He’s even responded to Fergie’s comments by saying,

It is not a problem

I always respect the manager and coaches because I want to learn. If he says that, it is because he thinks it is true.

But I think I have been playing well and I have scored a few important goals.

Turning Point For Ronaldo’s Season

I cant help but feel this could be the turning point in his season. So far I think he’s only been playing at 60-75% of his potential, with the kick up the arse he needed I think his attitude and ultimately performances could start to emulate that of last season.

Image what that means for United!