After Cristiano Ronaldo’s Early Struggles Unveiled, Ex-Manchester United Star Sheds Light on Biggest Problem Young Players Face at Old Trafford

Despite being the biggest storyline of the day, Cristiano Ronaldo‘s second coming to Manchester United was forgetful. But the same cannot be said about his first United stint. Ronaldo’s goal-scoring rally and consistent title wins made that era one of the best in the Red Devils’ history. However, it is not like Ronaldo had hit the ground running. His early days with MUFC were filled with struggles and shortcomings, per his ex-teammate Gary Neville. Lately, former Devils star Andreas Pereira detailed the problems youngsters had to overcome at Old Trafford.

Andreas Pereira spoke about his Manchester United stint, including his meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson, in the recent episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE podcast. During the show, Ferdinand asked Pereira what are the biggest problems for young players to thrive in United. “I think mentally, you know, mentally is a big problem. When you make your first game, and in the first game, everyone is positive. You can have a good game or an ok game, and everyone will say you’re amazing. I think after 15, 20, games is when the reality starts to kick in. Everyone’s like he’s not that good,” said Andreas Pereira.

Thereafter, the Brazil international said young United stars should keep their heads up and continue to deliver amid this vitriol. He said most critics talk harshly about one’s stint, and it is also undeniable that players would take time to settle in. Later, Pereira added that he had high expectations of Argentine superstar Angel Di Maria when he joined United. However, Di Maria’s stint in MUFC was rather stale. Anyway, Pereira’s advice to young Red Devils is on point, considering that a young Cristiano Ronaldo failed consistently at Old Trafford before winning became his habit.

Gary Neville’s comments on Cristiano Ronaldo’s early days prove Pereira’s claims right

Sir Alex Ferguson had handpicked Cristiano Ronaldo after he shocked the veteran boss in a Manchester United-Sporting CP game. However, the Portuguese sensation cut a perplexed figure when he started wearing United’s red colors. Neville unveiled Ronaldo’s abysmal past in the latest episode of the Overlap podcast. “Quite scrawny, not developed his[Ronaldo]body. His decision-making was quite erratic. You know, if he should have crossed it, he dribbled. If he should have dribbled, he crossed it,” said Gary Neville.

However, Ronaldo would later work hard to rise above these shortcomings. He would later break the Premier League’s goal-scoring records. Meanwhile, the Devils’ trophy cabinet expanded under Ferguson’s watch. By the time he left Manchester for Real Madrid, Ronaldo had completed a Premier League three-peat and won a UEFA Champions League title. So, as pointed out, Pereira and other youngsters could withstand the nastiness in Old Trafford if they have a mindset similar to CR7. But it is the rarest of rare things in the sport.