He was pretty much spot on with what he said. Some of it is what Ronaldo himself has said about how he plays now.
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 56 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What world are you living in you absolute maniac
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 5 hours, 21 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So did he say all that as a positive or negative for signing him?
One thing you can sure of is that Merson is saying all of this having not watched Ronaldo play at all since he left Madrid other than in the Euros. He barely knows what he’s talking about outside the top 4 in England so there’s no chance he’s watched any Juve games.
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 5 hours, 18 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's actually quite a balanced argument if you read it properly. He may be wrong but he's not ripping into anyone. I do agree with the game time worry for certain players and stunting their development. But he does counteract that by saying Ronaldo is an excellent example on the training pitch. Not sure to which extent a striker scoring 30 goals (if he can manage it) does not win you the league though.
I think the jury is out on this transfer personally. I understand why United fans (and many others) are excited to have him back. We're going to have to wait and see just how good he is now.
comment by Ballon d’Orginho (U5245)
posted 4 hours, 46 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 56 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What world are you living in you absolute maniac
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This
Merson is generally a complete moron but I struggle to see what he has said that is so wrong this time around. Prime Ronaldo was arguably the best player ever, to be 50% of that is still going to make him an elite player. Merson is spot on that he is a great role model to the kids and that Cavani is now going to find playing time limited
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
City play a fluid front three. Ronaldo often played on the left for Juve. Poor Phil Foden ðŸ˜. Honestly though, find me an example of another club for whom the "stunted development" narrative is trotted out. You'll not find it. It's the exclusive preserve of United.
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
City play a fluid front three. Ronaldo often played on the left for Juve. Poor Phil Foden ðŸ˜. Honestly though, find me an example of another club for whom the "stunted development" narrative is trotted out. You'll not find it. It's the exclusive preserve of United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Actually, for pretty much the whole of the Abramovic era apart from the last 3 years, Chelsea have been used as the poster boys as the biggest evil in football - and wasting our successful academy was one of the biggest criticisms. I actually agree that Foden's development may be slowed by Grealish, who I think is an inferior talent to Foden but who falls over with extreme class.
People seem to forget Zlatan was 36 when he came to United and before he got injured in March had scored 25 goals.
You have to say Ronaldo is similar if not fitter than Zlatan was at this age.
No one should be listening to Merson the man hasn't played at the top level for 20 years. How he can comment on the demands of the modern player is beyond me! He steals a living.
comment by Striketeam7 (U18109)
posted 1 hour, 7 minutes ago
Merson is generally a complete moron but I struggle to see what he has said that is so wrong this time around. Prime Ronaldo was arguably the best player ever, to be 50% of that is still going to make him an elite player. Merson is spot on that he is a great role model to the kids and that Cavani is now going to find playing time limited
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Far from being a moron, Merson is a clever bloke.
Paul Merson on Cavani, October 2020: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/paul-merson-explains-man-utds-22796778.amp
Paul Merson on Cavani, May 2021: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/15205/12302747/paul-merson-says-chelsea-learned-a-valuable-lesson-against-man-city-ahead-of-champions-league-final
Safe to say the bloke's an idiot. I do however fear he's right on Ronaldo - I'm very, very sceptical about this one.
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
posted 27 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 (U18109)
posted 1 hour, 7 minutes ago
Merson is generally a complete moron but I struggle to see what he has said that is so wrong this time around. Prime Ronaldo was arguably the best player ever, to be 50% of that is still going to make him an elite player. Merson is spot on that he is a great role model to the kids and that Cavani is now going to find playing time limited
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Far from being a moron, Merson is a clever bloke.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No, he is a moron with a big gob, he is just not wrong this time around
Surely Ronaldo coming to Man Utd is the best nees for our strikers. They will get to learn from the G.O.A.T. Our forwards usually go missing in the big games when trophies are there to be won while Ronaldo is a big game player.
comment by Posh Mufc Great Hafi Not Arrogant Just Better (U6578)
posted 3 minutes ago
Surely Ronaldo coming to Man Utd is the best nees for our strikers. They will get to learn from the G.O.A.T. Our forwards usually go missing in the big games when trophies are there to be won while Ronaldo is a big game player.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This. Not just our strikers but the whole team. Ronaldo and Varane are winners. They are used to winning trophies. It's their mentality that can give us extra edge needed in semi finals/finals.
He is not the same Ronaldo that left Man Utd 12 years ago. I watched almost every match he played in Serie A, he has slowed down considerably in a far less physical league. He will knock in a few decent ones for sure, but United fans need to moderate their expectations. The unpopular Glazers signed him mainly for his commercial value and popularity with the United fans. I honesty can't fault Merson's views on him.
Why do you watch every Juventus match?
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 43 minutes ago
Why do you watch every Juventus match?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Almost. I have a Serie A package and I watch the big matches, not just Juve.
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
City play a fluid front three. Ronaldo often played on the left for Juve. Poor Phil Foden ðŸ˜. Honestly though, find me an example of another club for whom the "stunted development" narrative is trotted out. You'll not find it. It's the exclusive preserve of United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It is quite ironic that you would use foden as the example. His development is something constantly questioned to pep up until around February this year.
Yes it has stopped since he started playing the big games, but not a very good example. A spell on the bench for phil and the questions will be straight back.
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 hours, 23 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
the funny thing is I did not even want cr7 back as a fan. But to try to belittle his qualities while also getting excited about lukaku who cr7 scored more goals than last season in the same league is laughable
comment by Grand Cannon (U18697)
posted 9 minutes ago
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 43 minutes ago
Why do you watch every Juventus match?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Almost. I have a Serie A package and I watch the big matches, not just Juve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did Juve set up in a way that was solely focussed on supplying him? Or was he just the striker finishing the moves off like any other forward for another club?
I watched a video of all 36 goals he scored for them last season, and other than the pens (and headers), I was surprised at the lack of 'tap ins' tbh and more of them were shots from just inside the box at all angles, either cutting in, or receiving a pass and making a yard for himself before finishing it, pleasantly surprised.
comment by -bloodred- (U1222)
posted 2 hours, 43 minutes ago
Paul Merson on Cavani, October 2020: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/paul-merson-explains-man-utds-22796778.amp
Paul Merson on Cavani, May 2021: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/15205/12302747/paul-merson-says-chelsea-learned-a-valuable-lesson-against-man-city-ahead-of-champions-league-final
Safe to say the bloke's an idiot. I do however fear he's right on Ronaldo - I'm very, very sceptical about this one.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
my only concern about ronaldo is the same concern I will have had we signed messi, mbappe or even haaland: UTD's achilies heel CDM will hold us back unless especially against better opposition we can not just bully with our strong attack
Sign in if you want to comment
Paul Merson…
Page 1 of 2
posted on 1/9/21
He was pretty much spot on with what he said. Some of it is what Ronaldo himself has said about how he plays now.
posted on 1/9/21
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 56 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What world are you living in you absolute maniac
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 5 hours, 21 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So did he say all that as a positive or negative for signing him?
One thing you can sure of is that Merson is saying all of this having not watched Ronaldo play at all since he left Madrid other than in the Euros. He barely knows what he’s talking about outside the top 4 in England so there’s no chance he’s watched any Juve games.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 5 hours, 18 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's actually quite a balanced argument if you read it properly. He may be wrong but he's not ripping into anyone. I do agree with the game time worry for certain players and stunting their development. But he does counteract that by saying Ronaldo is an excellent example on the training pitch. Not sure to which extent a striker scoring 30 goals (if he can manage it) does not win you the league though.
I think the jury is out on this transfer personally. I understand why United fans (and many others) are excited to have him back. We're going to have to wait and see just how good he is now.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Ballon d’Orginho (U5245)
posted 4 hours, 46 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 56 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What world are you living in you absolute maniac
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This
posted on 1/9/21
Merson is generally a complete moron but I struggle to see what he has said that is so wrong this time around. Prime Ronaldo was arguably the best player ever, to be 50% of that is still going to make him an elite player. Merson is spot on that he is a great role model to the kids and that Cavani is now going to find playing time limited
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
City play a fluid front three. Ronaldo often played on the left for Juve. Poor Phil Foden ðŸ˜. Honestly though, find me an example of another club for whom the "stunted development" narrative is trotted out. You'll not find it. It's the exclusive preserve of United.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
City play a fluid front three. Ronaldo often played on the left for Juve. Poor Phil Foden ðŸ˜. Honestly though, find me an example of another club for whom the "stunted development" narrative is trotted out. You'll not find it. It's the exclusive preserve of United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Actually, for pretty much the whole of the Abramovic era apart from the last 3 years, Chelsea have been used as the poster boys as the biggest evil in football - and wasting our successful academy was one of the biggest criticisms. I actually agree that Foden's development may be slowed by Grealish, who I think is an inferior talent to Foden but who falls over with extreme class.
posted on 1/9/21
People seem to forget Zlatan was 36 when he came to United and before he got injured in March had scored 25 goals.
You have to say Ronaldo is similar if not fitter than Zlatan was at this age.
No one should be listening to Merson the man hasn't played at the top level for 20 years. How he can comment on the demands of the modern player is beyond me! He steals a living.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Striketeam7 (U18109)
posted 1 hour, 7 minutes ago
Merson is generally a complete moron but I struggle to see what he has said that is so wrong this time around. Prime Ronaldo was arguably the best player ever, to be 50% of that is still going to make him an elite player. Merson is spot on that he is a great role model to the kids and that Cavani is now going to find playing time limited
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Far from being a moron, Merson is a clever bloke.
posted on 1/9/21
Paul Merson on Cavani, October 2020: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/paul-merson-explains-man-utds-22796778.amp
Paul Merson on Cavani, May 2021: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/15205/12302747/paul-merson-says-chelsea-learned-a-valuable-lesson-against-man-city-ahead-of-champions-league-final
Safe to say the bloke's an idiot. I do however fear he's right on Ronaldo - I'm very, very sceptical about this one.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
posted 27 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 (U18109)
posted 1 hour, 7 minutes ago
Merson is generally a complete moron but I struggle to see what he has said that is so wrong this time around. Prime Ronaldo was arguably the best player ever, to be 50% of that is still going to make him an elite player. Merson is spot on that he is a great role model to the kids and that Cavani is now going to find playing time limited
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Far from being a moron, Merson is a clever bloke.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No, he is a moron with a big gob, he is just not wrong this time around
posted on 1/9/21
Surely Ronaldo coming to Man Utd is the best nees for our strikers. They will get to learn from the G.O.A.T. Our forwards usually go missing in the big games when trophies are there to be won while Ronaldo is a big game player.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Posh Mufc Great Hafi Not Arrogant Just Better (U6578)
posted 3 minutes ago
Surely Ronaldo coming to Man Utd is the best nees for our strikers. They will get to learn from the G.O.A.T. Our forwards usually go missing in the big games when trophies are there to be won while Ronaldo is a big game player.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This. Not just our strikers but the whole team. Ronaldo and Varane are winners. They are used to winning trophies. It's their mentality that can give us extra edge needed in semi finals/finals.
posted on 1/9/21
He is not the same Ronaldo that left Man Utd 12 years ago. I watched almost every match he played in Serie A, he has slowed down considerably in a far less physical league. He will knock in a few decent ones for sure, but United fans need to moderate their expectations. The unpopular Glazers signed him mainly for his commercial value and popularity with the United fans. I honesty can't fault Merson's views on him.
posted on 1/9/21
Why do you watch every Juventus match?
posted on 1/9/21
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 43 minutes ago
Why do you watch every Juventus match?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Almost. I have a Serie A package and I watch the big matches, not just Juve.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CIty don't have any strikers to stunt - and even if they did, they are not English like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
City play a fluid front three. Ronaldo often played on the left for Juve. Poor Phil Foden ðŸ˜. Honestly though, find me an example of another club for whom the "stunted development" narrative is trotted out. You'll not find it. It's the exclusive preserve of United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It is quite ironic that you would use foden as the example. His development is something constantly questioned to pep up until around February this year.
Yes it has stopped since he started playing the big games, but not a very good example. A spell on the bench for phil and the questions will be straight back.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by merrysupersteve (monitoring the situation) (U1132)
posted 3 hours, 23 minutes ago
comment by Dwight K Schrute (U22590)
posted 6 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Garner be a star (U13920)
posted 25 minutes ago
as utd fan I am reminded how great our club is when I see all these idiots lining up to take a pound of flesh
I did not see the comment by merson but it has been the general theme for so called experts to be disrespectful to utd players and managers in a way they wouldn't any other club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to go as far as say nowhere near. I would say he’s at 50% [compared to his prime],” Merson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
"His numbers, don’t get me wrong, are still phenomenal. With him being the top scorer again last season in Italy, everywhere he’s been, he has done it.
"He’s 36 years of age. If he does it this season in the Premier League, then you would have to stand up and say that he is near on not human."
The former Arsenal midfielder cites concerns over the progress of United's young attacking core, who he feels might suffer a stunt in their development once Ronaldo is bedded into the starting eleven.
"For every kid at – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – I don’t know if it puts them back one notch with Ronaldo coming in.
"But this will be a player who you watch and go this is how I have to live my life for the next ten years, because it’s a short career, to be the best. He will set an example like that.
"Will he win the league for Man United? I’m going to say no. I think he’s going to play centre-forward, which will make Edinson Cavani think, why did I sign for another year."
tbh I agree Ronaldo isnt the same player, Edison probably does question why he signed again, the young kids will all learn how to train and look after themselves better.
I disagree that he is 50% of what he was and I see him only helping the young kids tbh not setting them back
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are the only club in the league for whom this stunted development card gets played. Do you think if City had got him, they would have been using this tired trope? I don't.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
the funny thing is I did not even want cr7 back as a fan. But to try to belittle his qualities while also getting excited about lukaku who cr7 scored more goals than last season in the same league is laughable
posted on 1/9/21
comment by Grand Cannon (U18697)
posted 9 minutes ago
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 43 minutes ago
Why do you watch every Juventus match?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Almost. I have a Serie A package and I watch the big matches, not just Juve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did Juve set up in a way that was solely focussed on supplying him? Or was he just the striker finishing the moves off like any other forward for another club?
I watched a video of all 36 goals he scored for them last season, and other than the pens (and headers), I was surprised at the lack of 'tap ins' tbh and more of them were shots from just inside the box at all angles, either cutting in, or receiving a pass and making a yard for himself before finishing it, pleasantly surprised.
posted on 1/9/21
comment by -bloodred- (U1222)
posted 2 hours, 43 minutes ago
Paul Merson on Cavani, October 2020: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/paul-merson-explains-man-utds-22796778.amp
Paul Merson on Cavani, May 2021: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/15205/12302747/paul-merson-says-chelsea-learned-a-valuable-lesson-against-man-city-ahead-of-champions-league-final
Safe to say the bloke's an idiot. I do however fear he's right on Ronaldo - I'm very, very sceptical about this one.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
my only concern about ronaldo is the same concern I will have had we signed messi, mbappe or even haaland: UTD's achilies heel CDM will hold us back unless especially against better opposition we can not just bully with our strong attack
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