Solskjaer To Manage Ronaldo’s Game Time Despite Bright Start
Cristiano Ronaldo might have made an electric start to his second spell as a Manchester United player but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he will manage the 36-year-old’s playing time.
Ronaldo struck twice against Newcastle United in a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday as he made a fairytale return following his move from Juventus on transfer deadline day.
The five-time Ballon d’or winner lasted the entire duration of the game despite Manchester United’s rich array of attacking talent.
Solskjaer had the luxury of introducing Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard from the bench while Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford were missing entirely from the match day squad. Add that to summer signing Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, and United are blessed with depth in attack.
“The thing with Cristiano is that he looks after himself so much so I know he will recover quickly and he has had a pre-season," the United head coach said ahead of the Red Devils’ Champions League opener against Young Boys on Tuesday.
"Of course it’s important that we get everyone up and running and to get him up and running and to give him 90 minutes.
“Of course there is a game on Tuesday (against Young Boys). We will see what we do. But no, it’s not impossible to leave him out. He is 36, Mason [Greenwood] is 19, so it’s the same, I have to manage his minutes, and I have to manage a 36-year-old’s minutes as well.”
