Rio Ferdinand “100%” knows who should be in-charge of the Manchester United set-pieces

Rio Ferdinand “100%” knows who should be in-charge of the Manchester United set-pieces

Bruno Fernandes has been one of the most prolific penalty takers in the recent time and was straightaway made Manchester United’s go-to man from the 12 yards. But there have been questions about who would take the set-pieces for the Red Devils now that Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the Old Trafford. Ronaldo has been taking penalties for every team he has played for, and holds one of the best penalty conversion rates.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solkjaer would face a dilemma about whom to give the duties to, as both the Portuguese stars will just be waiting for the green light from the manager.

Rio Ferdinand has the answer to the Manchester United problem

When everyone has been scratching their heads, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand seems to have the solution for this problem. While speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, Ferdinand said that he expects Ronaldo to take over the penalty duties. Talking about Bruno, he added, “Ferdinand said: “I think Bruno gives up the penalties, but doesn’t relinquish free-kicks and corners, unless he doesn’t take corners. Free-kicks around the box, he’s going to be on them, I think.

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Ferdinand was sure about the dead ball situations and answered, “I think he will be. His record demands that he should do that. I think he [Ronaldo] takes the penalties, 100 per cent, they agree to give him the penalties, but free-kicks around the box I think Bruno is wiping the ball down and taking it from there.”, when asked if Bruno should take the free kicks.

Ronaldo v Bruno: Set piece record since 2017

Although statistics don’t always help to judge players, but in this situation the numbers might come in handy for Ole. Since 2017, Bruno has converted 26 out of the 27 penalties he has taken, with a conversion rate of 96%, while Ronaldo has smashed home 26 out of the 31 penalties he has kicked, with a rate of 84%. Bruno has overtaken Ronaldo in free-kicks too as he has sent 5 out of the 58 free-kick in the back of the net, while Ronaldo has just one free-kick goal out of the 67 kicks.

Ronaldo is expected to make his second debut on 11th September when they face Newcastle, as he left the Portugal setup early, and all eyes would be on the dead ball situations to see who would be Man United’s go-to man for the job.

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