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.
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.
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“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.
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“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.”
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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.
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“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.”
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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.”
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Kyle Walker set to leave Manchester City on a free transfer with at least two clubs monitoring
Danny Jones
Kyle Walker looks to be leaving Manchester City after the best part of eight years and could be set to join another Premier League clubif reports are to be believed.
The long-serving Man City and England defender has been at the Etihad Stadium throughout the most successful spell, but has gradually fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola of late.
Walker regularly played more than 30 games per campaign under the Catalan coach for seven years, but was ultimately loaned out to AC Milan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, where he made just over a dozen appearances.
Despite being one of the first names on the team sheet for the longest time, the Sheffield-born full-back has grown to become somewhat of a divisive figure among the fan base. As a result, he is now preparing to find a new club with his contract expiring this summer, and Everton is said to be interested.
🚨🔵 Kyle Walker (35) is seen as a potential signing for Everton this summer, reports @mcgrathmike/@TeleFootball! 🏴
This transfer update comes from Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath, who writes that the Merseyside club have identified Walker as a possibility, with David Moyes looking to recruit additions to his backline.
According to McGrath, “Kyle Walker [is] seen as a potential signing for Everton this summer with David Moyes looking at signing a right-back”, adding that the departure of former Aston Villa and Manchester United player, Ashley Young, as well as Jack O’Brien’s ability to play central makes it a viable option.
Were he to be picked up by the often struggling top-flight team, the 35-year-old would be yet another senior appointment to bolster the defensive ranks, effectively replacing Young (38).
The Toffees have flirted with the relegation zone in recent times, but with previously popular manager Moyes having returned to the club and now set to begin a maiden chapter at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Bramley Moore Dock, the first division veteran and serial winner could be a key signing.
Walker asked to leave the club back in January, securing his loan spell in Serie A shortly after, but as he is soon set to leave permanently as a free agent, he could prove a good bit of business for Everton.
🗞️Kyle Walker would cost a nominal or potentially no fee, while Everton also have interest in soon to be free agents Kenny Tete, Vladimir Coufal and Kyle Walker-Peters
Other suitors are said to include Fenerbahçe SK, with a number of European players entering the latter stages of their career opting for a switch to the Turkish league.
However, with still plenty of strength, pace and experience in a number of defensive positions, Walker will no doubt favour his chances remaining in the ever-competitive and fast-paced Premier League.
What about you, Blues – will you be sad to see him go?
Soccer Aid raises more than £15 million for Unicef as a familiar face stars at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
This past Sunday saw not only the closing night of Parklife and Outbreak Festival here in Greater Manchester, but also Soccer Aid 2025, which raised yet another incredible amount for charity.
It was also one of the highest-scoring games Old Trafford has seen in a while.
This year’s edition of the fundraising match for UNICEF, which has now been running for more than two decades, saw a record-breaking 14th win for the World XI, who have also emerged as champions from the last five Soccer Aid games.
Nevertheless, with more than £15 million raised in charitable donations to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which helps protect children’s rights, provide humanitarian and all-around support to kids across the world in developing countries, that was the real victory.
As you can see, the exact amount generated following donations during this year’s Soccer Aid fixture is £15,280,163, essentially matching the record-breaking figure raised in 2024.
Better still, this now takes the total raised for UNICEF thanks to the charity match, which became annual back in 2018, to beyond £115m. Incredible stuff.
Top performers on the night included Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, who got the goals underway, ex-Man City Women’s star Toni Duggan and retired England striker Jermain Defo, who managed to score a brace on the night.
However, despite taking a two-goal lead, it was the World XI’s star man who happened to be both a once-friendly face at the Theatre of Dreams and a familiar foe.
Speaking on the staggering 2025 total, pop star Robbie Williams, who founded the event back in 2006, said: “As an original founder of Soccer Aid, I couldn’t be more proud of UNICEF…
“From the volunteers, organisers and talent, to the team on the ground; everyone who buys a ticket or makes a donation. Together, over the years, we’ve raised over £121m. Here’s to many more games and even more fundraising.”
Well done to everyone involved with another fantastic year for Soccer Aid and UNICEF, including local comedian Paddy McGuinness, who celebrated a record ninth appearance playing between the sticks for England. Big likey, big lighty.
You can watch the game back in full HERE or all the big highlights from Soccer Aid 2025 down below.
Cracking scoreline that. Man United vs Lyon, eat your heart out.
The Manc -
21st September 2021 
