Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he was “not happy” with what Manchester United were accomplishing in 2021-22, calling for “a higher spirit and a stronger mentality” in the dressing room.
Ronaldo completed what was arguably the biggest transfer of 2021 when he joined United from Juventus for $ 27million in August.
The 36-year-old has since proven he hasn’t lost any of his sharpness in front of goal by finding the net 14 times in 21 appearances, but the Red Devils haven’t been as consistent as a collective (9V- 5D-4D in the Premier League), which he says has been a source of major frustration.
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Ronaldo took to social media to reflect on another stellar year from a personal perspective which also saw him end his time at Juve with two more domestic trophies before winning the Portugal Golden Boot at Euro 2021.
Ronaldo’s Instagram post at the end of 2021
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, however, demands a lot more from his United team-mates in the second half of the season, as he wrote on Instagram: “2021 is drawing to a close and it has been far from an easy year , despite my 47 goals in all competitions.
“At Juventus, I was proud to win the Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup, and to become the top scorer in Serie A. For Portugal, becoming the top scorer in the Euro was also a moment strong this year. And of course, my return to Old Trafford will always be one of the most iconic moments of my career.
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“But I’m not happy with what we’re doing at Man United. None of us are happy, I’m sure. We know we need to work harder, play better, and deliver a lot more than we currently deliver.
“Let’s make this New Year’s Eve a turning point of the season! Let’s embrace 2022 with a higher mind and a stronger mindset. Let’s take ourselves beyond, aim for the stars and put this club in its place! Join us, we are counting on you all!
“Happy New Year and see you soon! “
Manchester United’s title prospects in 2022
With the additions of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window, the Red Devils initially seemed well placed to challenge the title early in the season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United started off brilliantly but quickly faded away, suffering humiliating defeats at the hands of Liverpool, Manchester City and Watford, with Solskjaer ultimately paying the price for his work.
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Ralf Rangnick has now taken the reins of interim management and has overseen three wins and two draws in his first five games at the helm, with Wolves on Monday, January 3.
A 3-1 win over Burnley the last time around, in which Ronaldo scored his eighth Premier League goal of the campaign, has sparked new optimism, but United now have a real fight ahead to finish in the top four.
An early exit from the Carabao Cup saw another chance for the silverware to fall by the wayside, but supporters are hoping Ronaldo & Co. will have a new style of play.
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