“The problem has been removed,” BBC Football pundit reveals how ‘selfish’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit benefited Manchester United

British football pundit takes shots at Cristiano Ronaldo while praising Marcus Rashford's recent stellar performance for Manchester United.

“The problem has been removed,” BBC Football pundit reveals how ‘selfish’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit benefited Manchester United

Garth Crooks for Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United

BBC Football pundit Garth Crooks made a bold claim on Tuesday citing Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure as the primary reason of Marcus Rashford’s electric form. The British commentator believes that the Red Devils have been on a significant run of form since Cristiano Ronaldo departed from Old Trafford. He took shots at the 38-year-old striker who has begun a new chapter of his professional career in Saudi Arabia.

The renowned football pundit referred to Cristiano Ronaldo as the ‘problem’ while thanking him for leaving the club. “Rashford no longer has to play second fiddle to a player desperate to hang on to former glories, who has far more interest in himself than the team. The problem has been removed,” Crooks said via BBC. The football pundit claimed that Marcus Rashford‘s recent form was directly related to the Portuguese’s departure.

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“I think it’s very telling that Manchester United ‘s results have continually improved since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo- and so has Rashford’s presence in the team,” the former Stoke City player added. The 25-year-old has been in explosive form. He has scored twelve goals and assisted three in the 2022-23 season. Having played 23 matches this season already, he is one of the most important players for the Red Devils right now.

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Marcus Rashford has impressed fans all around the world with his incredible goal-scoring run, as he has already scored eight goals in nine Premier League fixtures this year. The English winger has found his shooting boots under Erik Ten Hag once again. He has become a crucial piece in an evolving Manchester United side. Marcus Rashford even scored the opening goal in Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Leeds United this weekend.

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How did Erik Ten Hag improve this Manchester United side?

Erik Ten Hag in action for Manchester United

Many fans doubted the Dutch manager when he decided to bench Cristiano Ronaldo for the sake of the team. Though, Erik Ten Hag’s tactics and the discipline he imposed on the squad have led the 20-times-league champions to the third spot in the Premier League table. The Dutchman has shown himself as a man of personality and did not hesitate to make bold decisions for the sake of the club.

The manager signed players like Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and even Wout Weghorst, who have been influential for the Manchester giants. Although they had a sloppy start to the 2022-23 season, the Red Devils have significantly improved under Erik Ten Hag. They are also current favorites to win their first trophy under the Dutch manager as they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final later this month.

Manchester United will also face an in-form FC Barcelona in an exciting UEFA Europa League fixture on 16th February 2023. How do you think Erik Ten Hag’s men would line up against a threatening FC Barcelona at Camp Nou?

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