‘You can love him but also think it’s time to go’: Manchester United fans begin to turn on Cristiano Ronaldo as eye-opening stat shows Erik ten Hag’s men have averaged nearly two points FEWER per game when Portuguese star has started this season
- Stats prove that Man Utd are better off WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo in the side
- The Red Devils average nearly two points fewer when Ronaldo is in the team
- United also cover less distance as a team with the Portuguese star in the first XI
- Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle on Wednesday night
- The 37-year-old has now been dropped for Man Utd’s trip to Stamford Bridge
Manchester United fans need not be concerned about the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo for this weekend’s clash with Chelsea, because the stats prove United are better off without their controversial star.
Ronaldo will not be part of Erik ten Hag’s squad for the trip to Stamford Bridge after the 37-year-old was dropped following his walkout at the end of United’s win over Tottenham on Wednesday night.
The United number seven is said to have refused to be subbed on during the victory and then stormed off down the Old Trafford tunnel before the final whistle.
The stats prove that Manchester United are better off when Cristiano Ronaldo is a substitute
However, looking at the Red Devils’ stats this season, United fair far better when Ronaldo isn’t part of Ten Hag’s team.
According to Opta, United average more team distance per game and have a greater points per game total this season without Ronaldo.
In the eight games they’ve not started the Portuguese icon in the Premier League this season, the team have amassed 108.5km per game as opposed to the 98.5km with him in the side.
As for points, there’s a massive difference. With United earning 2.25 points per game without Ronaldo, and only 0.5 when he’s made the first XI – nearly TWO points fewer.
Ronaldo walks down the tunnel after refusing to come on as a sub in United’s win over Spurs
The stats and his recent behaviour back-up the view of some United fans who believe that Ronaldo’s time has come to an end at the club. With one supporter taking to Twitter to say:
‘Cristiano Ronaldo is my favourite footballer ever but he way he’s acting this season is disgraceful. You can love him but also think it’s time to go’
While another responded to the stats by saying: ‘There’s no agenda here, plain and simple facts. We play better without Ronaldo.’ A view shared by a fellow Red Devils fan who admitted it ‘hurts to see this but it’s true.’
Man Utd fans take to Twitter to admit that Ronaldo’s time at the club should come to an end
Ten Hag’s side gave credence to the stats in Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Tottenham, which was his side’s best performance of the season.
The United manager said after the game that Ronaldo’s actions would be dealt with the following morning.
On Thursday, the club released a statement confirming that Ronaldo would not be considered for Saturday’s late fixture with Chelsea.
‘Cristiano will not be part of the Man United team for this Saturday’s game against Chelsea. Rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.’
Ronaldo’s behaviour has been lambasted by a series of big names and now an Old Trafford exit looks increasingly likelier in January.
He has been a bit-part play for the Dutch manager this season, and has only scored two goals so far this campaign.
The Portuguese’s future is once again in doubt with a January move a possibility for him
