Barnes names Man Utd duo who have benefited most from Ronaldo exit

13 February 2023 , 22:27

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John Barnes believes Manchester United have thrived without Cristiano Ronaldo (Image: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool legend John Barnes has named Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho as the two players who have benefited most from Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from Manchester United.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford in acrimonious circumstances in November after giving a bombshell interview to Piers Morgan. He had his contract with the Red Devils mutually terminated ahead of the World Cup, with the attacker subsequently joining Al-Nassr.

United have lost just once since Ronaldo departed the club, with that defeat coming to Premier League leaders Arsenal. Barnes believes it is Rashford and Sancho in particular who have fueled that run of form, with both players profiting from Ronaldo's absence.

“I think that since Ronaldo has gone, look at Sancho, look at Rashford, a lot of players are doing better because Ronaldo overshadowed them," Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

"I think Rashford had a bit of a dip, because he wanted to be one of the main players of Man Utd, as he is. I think it’s not a surprise to me that you can see an improvement in him since Ronaldo is not there anymore. Rashford is not a centre-forward.

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"As much as he wants to play as a No. 9, he’s getting into the middle, scoring headers, coming in from the wide positions and I think that’s already been settled, in terms of the position he plays.”

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Barnes believes Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have thrived with Ronaldo gone

Rashford has enjoyed a remarkable run of form since Ronaldo left Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals in all competitions. His performances have helped United to reach the Carabao Cup final and the fifth round of the FA Cup, as well as breaking into the edge of the title race.

Sancho though appears to be an odd pick, given he has featured just three times since Ronaldo's exit. The winger had been granted an extended period of time off after the World Cup by boss Erik ten Hag.

But he has now returned to the selection reckoning for the Red Devils, starting in the win over Leeds on Sunday. And Barnes has hailed him as a "fantastic player" who can now regain his confidence with Ronaldo having departed from the limelight.

“He’s a fantastic player and he has got great potential. He came to United at a time where the club as a whole was struggling. Having come in for £75m where he was put into the team and he was expected to be one of the main players," Barnes added.

"He was overshadowed by the likes of Ronaldo and Fernandes so his confidence suffered because he’s a young player. They’re now handling him with care.

"He’s going to be playing with a lot more confidence and the future looks bright at United with young players being given their chance.”

Both Rashford and Sancho will be hoping to feature on Thursday when United travel to Barcelona for the first leg of their Europa League knockout play-off clash with the LaLiga giants.

Jacob Leeks