Southampton literally made him look old

Foto: Saolab Press / Shutterstock.com

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In the battle for international places, Manchester United conceded the next setback in front of their home crowd against FC Southampton. Even the superstar of the team could not prevent the 1-1 draw, which may be showing signs of age.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, who was recently upset because of his declining playing times, was allowed to play against the Saints from the start. However, the Portuguese could not be seen for long stretches. The statistics now reveal how bad Ronaldo’s performance really was.

CR7 only dribbled twice over the entire season and only fired two shots at the opposing goal. His 33 ball touches also prove the 37-year-old’s great difficulty in finding a connection to the game. The heat map also highlighted the 2016 European Champion’s lack of pace.

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Ronaldo has repeatedly stated that he can imagine playing football professionally well into his 40s. Rumor has it that he has already confided in those around him that age is slowly catching up with such an exemplary professional as he is. The numbers from the match at the weekend prove this.

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Photo: Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley / Shutterstock.com

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Will the Young Guns outperform him?

Ronaldo noted with concern and anger that his coach, Ralf Rangnick, was increasingly relying on his younger colleagues. Significantly, it was two of those rising stars in Jadon Sancho (21) and Marcus Rashford (24) against Southampton who put Manchester United ahead.

After that, however, the young guard also failed to score another goal. Southampton FC is still well remembered in the Red Devils’ attacking department. Just over a year ago they won 9-0 against Ralph Hasenhüttl’s team. There was no sign of this superiority yesterday at Old Trafford.

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