Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United may have been disappointing, but the club will hold a special place in the talisman’s heart. Known to be one of the most disciplined athletes, CR7 grew up under the guidance of a strict coach like Sir Alex Ferguson. However, despite the heavy expectations from the manager, the Portuguese forward enjoyed certain privileges. And now, a former United star brought to light an advantage CR7 got which even other club legends like Wayne Rooney did not.

via Imago

Ronaldo’s work rate is second to none, but the star did not have to go back and defend on the pitch, feels Wes Brown. The former defender speaking on the Ben Heath podcast said that during the 2007-08 season, “Ronaldo would probably play on my side on the right-hand side, and all the lads are like ‘Wes tell him to run back…..tell him to run back with you.’ And I’m like, ‘he doesn’t need to run back,’ it’s as simple as that,” citing that his role in the offense was sufficient.

Ronaldo already established himself as one of the best players in the world during that time. Earlier in the 2006-07 season, he scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists, and subsequently finished with 42 goals in the 07-08 season, winning the Ballon d’Or. On the other hand, other players like Wayne Rooney who were also scoring well had to defend when needed.

In fact, Rooney recently testified about this saying “Obviously, if I played out wide, I would do my job, I would get back and help out defensively where Cristiano probably wouldn’t do it, and then he’s a threat [going forward], he pins their full-back, back,” citing Al Nassr captain’s liberty. Ronaldo being very effective in the attack didn’t have to run back, felt Rooney. However, things changed when the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived at Old Trafford for the second time.

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Wes Brown cites Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunger to play soccer for his eventual Utd exit

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United started a bit similar to his earlier one. After scoring many goals and enjoying game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, things changed with the arrival of Erik ten Hag who started benching the striker. And speaking about Ronaldo’s rift with Ten Hag, Wes Brown felt that it was impossible to silence Ronaldo’s passion for playing, and claimed that ‘he’ just going to move on,’  if he sat on the bench. Known for his extreme hunger, CR7 is already proving it by scoring multiple goals in Saudi.