Does Cristiano Ronaldo Deserve the Fans Support?

Sunday, September 21^st 2pm, Walkabouts. The Australian bar, beaming English football, packed with Manchester United fans from London.

Confused?

Well you shouldn’t be, Manchester United are a global brand and so their fans are located accordingly. Whilst I may grudgingly accept Manchester United’s widespread support, what actually puzzles me more is United’s undying allegiance to a want away star.

As transfer deadline day enabled the blue half of Manchester to proclaim “we’ve got Robinho” perhaps the Red Devils would be forgiven for celebrating similarly with “we’ve still got Ronaldo.”

Although, admittedly, this has a less tuneful ring.

Cristiano Ronaldo has of late, produced world player of the year performances and after his introduction of Sunday, an air of anticipation greeted every touch. Manchester United have already had to forgive and forget a player apparently at arms with Rooney and wishing to ply his trade elsewhere. Yet, his recent performances however, have offered reason enough for absolution.

After committing his immediate future to Manchester United, it would seem that the fans have once again offered their forgiveness. However, after such a public expression to leave, how does an army of support remain so faithful? If you’re partner claimed their heart lie with a more exotic European lover, would they still inspire the same affection?

His flirtations on the continent seem not to have affected his fan base at home. Those who jeer the Portuguese winger are the same rival fans who envy his ability. And to date, the same rival fans who have not taken to his arrogant and self assured personality. Probably because, the Portuguese winger played a large role in ensuring Manchester United achieved over and above their respective teams.

Ronaldo is the player that outside of Old Trafford we love to hate, whilst it has to be said, secretly admire his abilities. Yet he is also the player that loves to be hated, a pantomime villain who thrives on the dismay of those he disappoints. He knows we boo him purely because he is worthy of our attentions.

Perhaps this is a make-or-break season for Ronaldo. A string of dire performances may divert the attentions of Real and ensure that once again he remains in Manchester. He has set the bar so high that to excel a 40-plus goal season would take some doing.

As Didier Drogba desperately searched for the Stamford Bridge exit, it is with a similar forgive and forget attitude that Chelsea fans must now welcome him home. For a player equal in stature to the heavyweight champion, a tendency to tumble inspires discontent among more than just the home fans.

Both players now look set for a full Premier League return, and all fans must now tolerate both players. Be it with open arms depends largely on allegiance and future performances.

Ronaldo and Drogba are equally dislikeable characters. Antics aside however, the truth of our discontent stems from the fact that on their day, any defence would struggle to contain them.