DBasia.news – Manchester United went through the 2021-2022 season with inconsistent periods, starting from the change of coach that led to the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the difficulty of Cristiano Ronaldo in scoring goals.
The 37-year-old superstar is Man United’s big signing in the summer of 2021 in addition to Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. But who would have thought, the existence of the winner of five Ballon d’Or and five Champions League titles did not make United compete consistently at the top of the standings.
Ahead of week 25 of the Premier League against Southampton at Old Trafford, Saturday (12/02) 19.30 WIB, Ronaldo has gone five appearances without scoring in all competitions. They have not gone through their worst goalless streak in seven consecutive games at club level from December 2008 to January 2009.
Even so, Ronaldo’s difficulty in scoring goals was highlighted. Ralf Rangnick admits that Ronaldo should have scored more goals, but he doesn’t burden Ronaldo as it’s a collective problem.
“It’s not just about Cristiano Ronaldo. He has to score more goals, that’s clear,” Rangnick said.
“I think we created enough chances in the last few games but we didn’t score enough goals, but it’s not just a problem with Cristiano, it’s a problem with the other players, especially the offensive players. We didn’t score enough goals.”
The match against Southampton tested United’s difficulties in scoring these goals. The Saints were not easy opponents and are in good momentum after keeping pace with Manchester City (1-1), and beating Tottenham Hotspur (3-2).
Southampton would have more curiousity to beat United as in the Ralph Hasenhuttl era, Southampton had never beaten United in the Premier League (three draws and three defeats).
Meanwhile, Man United’s meeting record is unbeaten in 11 league matches against Southampton (five wins and six draws). The last defeat was at home in January 2016 (0-1).