For most other forwards, the ratio of a goal every two games in the Premier League this campaign would unquestionably be a solid enough return, but not so in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo where this happens to be the Manchester United striker’s worst season since 2006.
Contrary to the expectations of those at Old Trafford who had thought that the return of their former prodigal hero would be an immensely glorious one, the Portuguese superstar is now clearly on course for his worst goal-scoring season since the 2005/06 campaign.
Without a doubt clearly past his prime at 36 when he signed on the dotted line for his return, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was coming off the back of a 29-goal campaign for Serie A giants Juventus and hardcore CR7 fans were assured initially of one thing – goals. Yet for all the excitement that the Portuguese ace generated when he hit the ground running early on in his hotly-touted comeback campaign, the fountain of the goals seem to have massively dried up for the Red Devils as the season has progressed.
What is more to be expected now is the familiar sight of the Portugal captain heading in a huff to the nearest tunnel exit to the changing rooms after most games when the Red Evils have either drawn or lost.
His first two league appearances saw Ronaldo netting thrice impressively against Newcastle and West Ham, adding to the din and hullabaloo in the Old Trafford stands, which was all great for the morale then for everyone.
Since then, however, he has managed a scanty five in 17 appearances. Extrapolating at this rate over 15 league games remaining, his estimated tally by the end of this season would be a dismal 15 goals, which would be highly unworthy of the great Portuguese striker as this is far undoubtedly far fewer than many would have expected from the man who only not too long ago became the leading all-time international goal-scorer.
It’s an undeniable fact that Ronaldo has scored at least 21 league goals in every season since 2008/09, which was also his last with Man United before he headed for sunny Spain, signing for Los Blancos for a world record fee.
To find a total The only other time when he scored a total lower than his projected tally this campaign, one would have to go all the way back to the 2005/06 season before he had won a Ballon d’Or or even a Premier League title. That season, he netted just nine.
With his personal standards set so high up in the stratospheres, no one will be more frustrated than the superstar forward himself at his current sharp decline.
The Portugal ace’s seeming shortfalls in the goalmouth are not credited only to finishing that’s less clinical as it is accountability to United also clearly struggling to create clear-cut chances all season. For a player who has done all he can to maintain his form at 37, Ronaldo can hardly be faulted for falling short of his goals.
And the true champion that he is will take solace knowing his Champions League tally of six goals in five matches is still sitting pretty as ever.
However, with those who are brilliant in what they do usually being also impatient when things do not go their way, Ronaldo is understood to be growing disillusioned with life back at Old Trafford and reportedly wants to meet with his agent in order to discuss his options for the immediate future at the end of the season.
Yes, Ronaldo is truly compelled to give some serious thoughts in considering his future at United while he also waits in the meantime to see who the next permanent manager will be, besides waiting to see where the side will finish in the league.
Yup, one way or another whether he decides to stay beyond the summer or not, the great CR7 has certainly endured his most difficult season since his early years as a snotty, young United wannabe.