Rio Ferdinand continues to defend Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that the Manchester United striker is “fighting for fitness.”
Ronaldo had another unpleasant day at work against Aston Villa on Sunday, as United fell 3-1 in the West Midlands. At the start of the 2022-23 season, the veteran striker has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, but Ferdinand has been a staunch supporter of his ex-teammate, believing that the Portuguese international’s recent troubles are a result of his absence in pre-season. He anticipates him returning to form after excelling for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar.
‘No one basked in glory last Saturday [against Aston Villa].’ “When you look at the conclusion of the season in terms of goals and what he has done for the team, time will tell,” the United legend remarked on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel. “In terms of form, there are peaks and troughs throughout the season.” Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t hitting the net like he usually does right now. He’s probably also struggling with fitness right now; if he goes to a World Cup and plays, he might return in better shape than when he left. You have no idea.”
United have struggled to score goals without Ronaldo and are presently sixth in the Premier League rankings, three points below the top four and 11 behind leaders Arsenal. Ten Hag put his faith in the 37-year-old by selecting him as stand-in captain against Villa, but the Portuguese provided neither leadership nor inspiration on a disappointing afternoon for the Red Devils.
