Sport
Predictions on Manchester United following the return of Ronaldo
Join us in previewing Ronaldo and the fortune of Manchester United through the eyes of football's legends.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his return to Premier League action last week, and the Portuguese superstar stole the show when scoring two goals in his second debut for Manchester United.
But as we look into the future of EPL results and league positioning, how much weight will CR7s return to Old Trafford raise the squad’s potential? Join us in previewing Ronaldo and the fortune of Manchester United through the eyes of football’s legends.
Teddy Sheringham (Manchester United 1997-2001)
Former Manchester United player and legend Teddy Sheringham has high hopes for the Red Devils with Ronaldo returning to the squad.
And it’s hard to disagree with the former England striker when Ronaldo has already bagged three goals in three games.
Sheringham, who owns the record as the oldest player to score a Premier League hattrick, believes that Ronaldo will continue his impressive scoring form.
“I think he can keep it up,” Sheringham told reporters.
“Once you get past 36, with the ups and downs of the Premier League, it’s tough being kicked and getting yourself up for the next game.
“But he knows what it’s all about and knows how to score a goal – he’s going to be alright.
“The main thing when you get to 33 or 34 is to make sure that you’re not carrying any weight, and he’s definitely not doing that. He’s also not had any significant injuries, and he’s still got the desire. Those three things are massive if you want to carry on playing.
“It’s got nothing to do with the money. He wants to enjoy getting the most out of his body and getting the most out of his career. I can see him carrying on like this throughout the season, next season and possibly even until he’s 39 as well.”
Ronaldo was the icing on the cake during a busy transfer window where the Red Devils had also acquired the services of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
But Ronaldo, he’s something else, and there is a long list of players who’ve overstayed their prime years to continue at a high level in the Premier League. Still, none of them has looked as physically strong or been as mentally stable as CR7.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United 2004-2017)
One of the greatest to ever grace the field at Old Trafford believes Ronaldo will assist his former club in challenging the Premier League title this term. And who better than former teammate of Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, to give his opinion on the player he won countless trophies with.
“Obviously, I follow Manchester United, I want them to do well, and I think it’s great for them that they’ve brought Cristiano back,” Rooney told The Mirror.
“His mentality will rub off on the younger players, especially, so I think it’s a great signing.
“Cristiano will know himself it’s not going to be as simple or straightforward for him as it was in Spain or Italy.
“It’s a physical league, but he knows that because he’s played in it before, so I’m sure he’s prepared and ready to go and score goals again for United.
“We saw, in the game against Ireland, what he does. In the last couple of minutes, he scores a couple of goals and great headers to have a massive impact on the Premier League.
“I think United are finally ready to go and challenge for the title, and I feel they have to, this year.
“So, Cristiano’s going to be a huge player, I think he’s going to have big moments in the season, and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United 1996-2007)
Former United star and current manager of the club, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, could be the perfect man for the job when utilising Ronaldo in and at the correct times. We should also put some faith in his predictions for CR7 within the season; who knows him better right now?
When it comes to goals, Ronaldo has been persistent in scoring since his second season with Sporting CP in 2003, and we shouldn’t expect anything different during the 2021/22 EPL season. Bet365 Sportsbook will be offering some of the most value on odds for Ronaldo ending up as top goalscorer, but it’ll still be less than most because he’s that damn good. And of course, his most extensive supported Ole Gunnar expects the brilliance to continue.
“Yes, you know. It’s about his longevity and sustainability and his professionalism and his quality,” Solskjaer told Manchester United’s in-house media crew.
“He scored again, and I’m sure he’ll score more goals for us.”
Sport
Esme Morgan calls out Manchester City over new season ticket restrictions
Danny Jones
Ex-Manchester City player and England international, Esme Morgan, has called out her old employers regarding recent updates to season ticket restrictions.
The former Man City defender, now playing for Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League, took to social media in defence of other season ticket holders who are now facing more stringent measures when it comes to attending fixtures and ultimately keeping their tickets.
In the simplest terms, season ticket holders must now personally attend at least 10 out of the 19 Premier League games, while a further six must be forwarded or sold back to the club. Other updates have also been confirmed.
While the club insist the goal is to increase attendances and reduce no-shows, as well as offer those who aren’t there week in, week out a better chance of purchasing a ticket, supporters like Morgan herself argue that the new impending policy is unfair and hasn’t been fully “thought through.”
The 24-year-old Sheffield-born centre back was responding to a City journalist, Joe Bray, who was polling the public opinion on the incoming changes in the immediate aftermath of their announcement, with a “clear frustration” being noted among the majority.
Morgan came through the academy system and spent seven years at the Etihad Campus before leaving the club for the US last summer.
However, as she explained in her post, which served as a further rallying cry among fellow fans, not only does she still have a season ticket, but her family and friends make full use of it throughout the domestic campaign whilst she competes over in America.
A feature of Man City’s own website – simply entitled, ‘Esme Morgan: Blue blood’ – not only describes her as a “blue through and through” but details how she’s had a season ticket at the club since she was just 3, so it seems that confounding that the updates to the ticket policy would see her have to give it up.
She goes on to add: “Loyal fans shouldn’t be punished for circumstances which mean they are currently unable to attend games, when they may be able to in future. Especially if they make efforts to ensure their seat is not left empty! What happens in cases of illness, studying/living abroad etc?”
As you can see, the lifelong Blue has now urged the club to revisit their plans for season ticket renewals and eligibility processes.
Whether or not her profile as a professional footballer, former City player and women’s team academy product will help her protests make more of a splash, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Nevertheless, it shouldn’t take people who have a profile within the game shouting loud enough for the average supporters’ valid grievances to be heard.
Are you a City fan, and if so, what do you make of the new season ticket stipulations? More precisely, do you agree with Esme Morgan?
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Katie Chan (via Wikimedia Commons)/James Boyes (via Flickr)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Gone far too soon. Rest in peace x
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Thompson Family (via Instagram)/Manchester United
The Manc -
21st September 2021 
