Player rejected by Ten Hag is scoring like Haaland

Erik ten Hag has been criticized for many decisions since arriving at Manchester United.

Despite Ten Hag’s optimism after winning two trophies, things have not been looking good for United. The Red Devils’ leadership gave him a final chance by extending his contract this past summer.

There were some notable signings during the summer, but new recruit Leny Yoro is sidelined due to injury. And with just 3 points from their first 3 matches, things have not started well for the team at Old Trafford.

In comparison to their city rivals Manchester City, United could not look worse. City is in great form, with the chance of winning yet another title. Pep Guardiola is behind all of this, but having a player like Erling Haaland makes things easier for him.

So far in his two-year career at Manchester, Haaland has won two Golden Boots and scored 97 goals in 102 matches across all competitions. He is currently regarded as the best striker in the world. Manchester United had hoped Rasmus Højlund would become a player of similar stature, but the young star has yet to reach that level, scoring only 16 goals in the 2023/2024 season. While that’s a decent achievement, the gap between him and Haaland is vast. Cristiano Ronaldo is probably the closest player to Haaland that United has had in recent years.

CR7 scored 24 goals in his first season after returning to Old Trafford, making that move a success. However, his second season with United was cut short, as he only managed 3 goals in 16 appearances. His form, attitude, and playing style didn’t fit Ten Hag’s system, so it was decided by all parties that it was best to part ways.

Ronaldo then moved to Saudi Arabia, which was seen as the final chapter of his career. But up until now, it can be said that it’s been a brilliant chapter. He scored 44 goals in 45 matches last season, even more prolific than Haaland. Specifically, in last season’s domestic league, Haaland scored 27 goals in 31 matches, while CR7 netted 35 goals in 31 matches.

Playing for Al-Nassr alongside players like Aymeric Laporte and Sadio Mane, their team finished the 2023/2024 season in second place, 10 points behind Al-Hilal. Despite not ending the season as desired, Ronaldo immediately got back to scoring in the new Saudi Pro League season, netting 4 goals in 4 matches.

Manchester United may not need the 39-year-old version of Ronaldo, but it’s undeniable that his remarkable achievements over the years, even now when his career is winding down, are impressive.