Owen Hargreaves suggests some of Manchester United’s stars could leave the club following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival.
Some transfers directly affect the team and its players, and we have a similar situation at Manchester United. The shock return of Cristiano Ronaldo might be heralded as a top buy from multiple quarters, but it could have a telling effect on some players present at the club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had suggested a few days ago; it would be a ‘bonus’ if any new arrivals come in after hinting the club had finished their transfer business this summer. However, the shock signing of Ronaldo suggested otherwise, and the former Juventus man’s arrival seemingly changes his plans for the season for good or bad.
Players such as Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani could find themselves in unfamiliar territory due to the Portuguese’ arrival. Ronaldo is the kind of player who will demand more playing time irrespective of his age or form. This factor could reduce the Frenchman’s game time at the club this season and look at a movie.
Then there’s Edinson Cavani, who holds the No.7 shirt, which Ronaldo prefers. After wearing the number during the Portuguese’ first stint at United, Ronaldo has gone on to create a brand for himself out of that number. he might want that number again, and Cavani holds it currently. Given that they both play the same position, the Uruguayan’s game-time is also likely to take a hit too.
And, former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has suggested that the situation could lead to Martial and Cavani leaving the club. Hargreaves said, “United have got Martial, Cavani, Rashford, Greenwood, they almost have too many, so maybe someone will leave.
“Could it be Cavani and Martial? You could see someone go out. Cavani’s been amazing for Manchester United, but Cristiano is Cristiano. He will want that number seven shirt, and I’m guessing Cavani will respect that. Maybe Cavani will go somewhere where he’ll play more regularly. Martial would be a great swap; you’d think there would be a lot of takers for him.”
If those players do decide to move on, where will they go? There has been hardly any interest from clubs in Martial in the summer. Meanwhile, for Cavani, his skills may still be of value somewhere, although it’s very difficult to see a deal for either attacker happening between now and the end of the transfer window.
