Picking a Manchester United XI to Work Around Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United's hopes of re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo took a significant blow this week.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, went on record, in quotes carried by the Manchester Evening News, to say the 29-year-old would end his career at Real Madrid and that a return to Old Trafford was impossible.
"He is very happy in Madrid. It is impossible to get Cristiano from Real Madrid.
You’ll never find one like him. He’s getting better and will be getting better until age 40.
Cristiano is very happy at Real Madrid and has always been happy. He’s going to break all the records that can be beat at Los Blancos and will retire here.
"
But what would a United team look like if United managed to tempt Ronaldo back? It would strengthen an already impressive forward line and leave Louis van Gaal with some very tough decisions when he came to pick his teams.
David De Gea
1 of 11
David De Gea showed against Everton why he's United's undisputed No.1. There was a time when Anders Lindegaard presented a credible challenge to his place. But not any more.
Van Gaal is expected to sign another goalkeeper in January or next summer. But the new arrival will be back-up to De Gea, not competition.
Rafael
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Injury meant Rafael endured a slow start under Van Gaal. But now fit, he's been the Dutchman's first-choice right-back.
Van Gaal likes his full-backs to be a threat going forward, and Rafael certainly offers that. He can still be a little bit suspect defensively, but United have more pressing issues to deal with than finding a new right-back.
Luke Shaw
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Like Rafael, Luke Shaw's hamstring injury during pre-season meant he had to wait for his chance to impress his new manager.
Finally available, his career as United's new left-back is underway. It's unlikely Van Gaal has spent £27 million on Shaw to leave him on the bench. And there's a real hope at the club that they have filled the position for the next decade.
Phil Jones
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United's defence has looked vulnerable this season, but Phil Jones hadn't done much wrong before he was ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered on international duty with England.
He'll face competition from Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling at centre-half. But if he can stay fit, he should be Van Gaal's first choice in the centre of the back four.
Marcos Rojo
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It's still unclear which position Van Gaal has in mind for Marcos Rojo. He's already played at left-back and centre-half. If needed, he could play on the left of a back three or at left wing-back.
If Van Gaal sticks with his back four, it's likely Rojo will have to fight Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling for a place at centre-half.
He will provide cover at left-back, but it would seem that is Luke Shaw's position to lose.
Michael Carrick
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Van Gaal is a big fan of Michael Carrick, and it's been a blow to the Dutchman that the England midfielder hasn't been available yet.
Carrick is back in light training following ankle surgery and should be ready to return soon. And in a team that includes Ronaldo, plus all of United's other attacking talents, he would be vital.
Van Gaal has missed the protection he offers the back four already this season.
Ander Herrera
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Ander Herrera has been one of United's better players this season. And it's been frustrating that he's been in and out of the team with injury.
He can play further forward or on the right side of Van Gaal's diamond midfield. But in a team that includes Ronaldo, he would have to play deeper, alongside Michael Carrick.
He would face competition from Daley Blind, but Herrera's ability on the ball and eye for a goal would be an advantage.
Wayne Rooney
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Wayne Rooney's place would come under pressure if United signed Ronaldo. But the new captain could still be accommodated behind a lone front man.
Playing in front of Carrick and Herrera, he shouldn't have to worry too much about his defensive duties. It would would also keep him playing centrally, where he's best, instead of shifting him out wide.
Juan Mata would offer an alternative.
Angel Di Maria
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Angel Di Maria is the one forward player who wouldn't have to worry if United signed Ronaldo. They played together effectively at Real Madrid, and the Argentinian has been United's best player so far this season.
In a front three, Ronaldo could play on one side with Di Maria on the other. With Radamel Falcao or Robin van Persie up front, and Wayne Rooney or Juan Mata behind, it would be one of the most frightening forward lines in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo
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Even in a team that boasts some of the best attacking players in the world, Van Gaal could still find a place for Cristiano Ronaldo. Players of his ability and goalscoring record can always be accommodated.
He could play anywhere across the front three in Van Gaal's 4-3-3. It would mean some very good, and expensive, players would have to settle for a place on the bench—but Van Gaal can only pick 11.
Radamel Falcao
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If Van Gaal sets up in a 4-3-3, there's only room for one centre-forward. Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie are the two obvious choices, but there's only room for one.
Van Persie can be used on the left of the front three, but it would mean someone else dropping out. Ronaldo's return, if it ever happened, would leave Van Gaal with some difficult decisions to make.
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