MANCHESTER UNITED have been better off WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo.
The legendary 38-year-old departed from Old Trafford ahead of last November-December’s World Cup after his explosive sit-down interview with Piers Morgan.
In the TalkTV worldwide exclusive, Ronaldo accused United of betrayal, while also claiming he does not respect the manager, Erik ten Hag.
United then ripped up the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract, leaving him a free agent.
His last United game came on November 6 last year in the 3-1 away loss at Aston Villa.
Ronaldo wore the captain’s armband and saw out the whole 90 minutes – but failed to score or register an assist.
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The devastating loss left United fifth in the Premier League.
And on an individual level, Ronaldo managed just one goal this season in what could be the last time he makes an appearance in the Prem.
But since Ronaldo’s departure, the Red Devils have picked up the most points in the division.
Erik ten Hag’s men have played ten games, winning seven, drawing two and losing one, picking up 23 points.
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They’ve also scored 20 goals, while conceding just nine.
Marcus Rashford has contributed to eight of those goals, filling the void left by CR7.
United’s form has also lifted them up to third in the table and five points behind table-toppers Arsenal, who have 51 points.
They are also just two points behind second-place Manchester City, who do, however, have a game in hand.
Brentford have picked up the second most amount of points, earning 18 in just eight games.
Arsenal and Man City occupy third and fourth on 17 and 16 points respectively.
Meanwhile, Southampton, Everton and Leeds have picked up the least points since Ronaldo’s departure.
Following a dismal World Cup campaign with Portugal, which saw Ronaldo be benched after netting one group stage goal, the forward joined Saudi side Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half year deal worth £173MILLION a year in the Middle East.
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His fortunes in front of goal have also improved, albeit against questionable opposition.
Ronaldo has five goals in three games, with four of those coming against Al-Wehda in his last outing.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
