22 February 2023 , 12:33
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The row with Cristiano Ronaldo and subsequent fall-out has proved to be the defining saga of Erik ten Hag's Manchester United reign so far.
The Red Devils boss, in his debut season at the helm, took on the biggest star in the squad and came out triumphant, proving he was not one to be taken for a fool. With that in mind, some old comments from Edinson Cavani have resurfaced that could offer an explanation as to why Ten Hag was so keen to part ways with Ronaldo.
Speaking in May of last year, Cavani admitted he thought his own days at Old Trafford were numbered following Ronaldo's arrival. He seems to suggest that whenever the five-time Ballon d'Or winner joins a club, a manager feels forced into playing him.
The Uruguayan explained: "Knowing a bit about the world of football these days, the first thing I did was call my brother [Walter Fernando Guglielmone, who also acts as his agent] and said: "Fernando, if this had happened a week ago, I would ask you to find me another club."
"But not because I didn't want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo. No. Because I had the opportunity to know him, and he is a great professional, with his targets, and that is perfect for a sportsman. But as I know, after years in football, how things work these days. That's why I spoke to my brother.
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"It was more about understanding the situation. Not because I couldn't play in my role at Manchester, but because there are many things in football nowadays that are different from how they were with other people, how it was before, years ago. And since it happened suddenly, I felt nothing. I thought: We'll play, do the best we can."
Cavani was one of the first to feel the impact of Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford, as the Uruguay international was kind enough to give up the number seven shirt for the former Real Madrid man.
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival impacted Edinson Cavani's time at Man UnitedHAVE YOUR SAY!Is Cavani's assessment of Ronaldo's return fair? Comment below
He left in the same summer that Ten Hag arrived, but Cavani may regret not sticking around given the Dutchman did not subscribe to the theory that Ronaldo has to start every game and play every minute.
On the contrary, under Ten Hag's watch, Ronaldo featured just 10 times in the Premier League and completed 90 minutes on no more than three occasions.
Perhaps what is most striking is how well United are faring in Ronaldo's absence. The Red Devils have gone from strength to strength since terminating his contract and now find themselves third in the table just five points off of the top spot.
Marcus Rashford has stepped up in place of the Portugal skipper and at long last United look like they are heading in the right direction as Ten Hag tries to restore them to their former glories.