Former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney has warned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo means he must win a trophy this season.
Ronaldo, who has completed a medical in Lisbon, will join up with his new teammates after the international break, eleven years after leaving Man United for Real Madrid. His return to United has caused excitement among the club’s fan base, who expect him to lead the Red Devils ‘ title charge.
Manchester United are yet to win any silverware under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite coming close last season in the Europa League. But they look like a stronger outfit with Ronaldo, who won league titles in Real Madrid and Juventus.
They have also added Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to the squad this summer, in a deal worth a combined £115million.
And according to Rooney, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cannot afford to go another season without a trophy at Manchester United following Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford. The current Derby County manager believes that the quality of United’s signing means that Solskjaer has no excuse this season.
‘Ole will certainly know that he’s in a position now where he needs to start winning these big titles with the players that he’s brought in,’ Rooney said.
Rooney also warned the current Man United players that they must work hard to play alongside the Portugal international who still still ‘wants to be the best.
‘[Ronaldo] still one of the best players in the world,’ he said.
‘Where would I play him? As a striker,’ Rooney added.
‘He’s a striker, and the other nine outfield players behind him will probably have to do a little bit more work because when you’ve got someone like Cristiano, you want him fresh around the box.
‘He still wants to be the best, and I’m sure he will have a big impact on them this season.
‘When you bring someone in like Cristiano, what it does for the players is bring in that winning mentality every day to the club.
‘For the likes of young players like Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay to have Cristiano would be a big help for them.’
Rooney also said he believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could propel United to the league title.
‘He has won titles everywhere he has been, so he is going to be huge. He will score goals, and I’m sure he will be on penalties [too].’ he said.
Ronaldo is likely to make his second United debut on September 11th when the Red Devils take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
