Some Manchester United supporters have seemingly turned against Cristiano Ronaldo in the away end ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash at Real Sociedad. Ronaldo was targeted with chants prodding at his desire to leave United inside and outside the Reale Arena before the must-win match.
The Red Devils have travelled to Spain for their Europa League Group E curtain-closer against leaders Sociedad, knowing they must win by at least two goals to finish top. Erik ten Hag named Ronaldo in his starting line-up for the third successive game after he led the line against Sheriff Tiraspol and West Ham United last week.
Ronaldo’s season has been engulfed in controversy, stemming from his attempts to engineer a move away from Old Trafford in the summer for a club in the Champions League. Since then, he has left the stadium early twice, most recently in the final stages of October’s 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur after refusing Ten Hag’s call to bring him on.
The 37-year-old striker’s status as a United legend has left the fanbase divided over his recent antics. But while many have sided with him, plenty of supporters have apparently made their contrasting emotions known. According to a journalist at the Reale Arena for the game, a new chant bellowing from the away end read: “I don’t care about Ronny, Ronny don’t care about me… all I care about is MUFC.”
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A video has also emerged on Twitter, seemingly showing United fans on the streets of San Sebastian singing the same lyrics, accompanied by the fruity caption: “F**k off Ronaldo.” And judging by the journalist’s tweet, that certain hymn made its way into the ground as the teams warmed up.
Ronaldo’s discontent at United after the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has mirrored his desire to leave when Real Madrid came calling in 2007. On that occasion, Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded him to stay another year, during which he helped the club clinch their third success in the competition before joining Los Blancos.
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However, there is little chance Ten Hag will do the same before next summer as he pushes forward with plans to build his team around his high-intensity, high-pressing style of play. There have even been suggestions of Ronaldo leaving in January if any club is willing to take on his blockbuster salary.
Despite Ronaldo receiving his third start on the bounce at La Real, Ten Hag was left with little choice after ruling out Antony and Anthony Martial through injury and losing Jadon Sancho to illness. Further issues could arise once those players return to the fray, but he can ill afford to do anything to impact his relationship with the United faithful any further.
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