Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Senna: United Are Nothing Without Ronaldo

Ronaldo was undeniably United's most valuable player as they romped to both domestic and European glory last season. The Portuguese winger-cum-striker ended the campaign with a whopping 42 goals, the last of which forced extra time against Chelsea in the Champions League final.

Of course, the 23-year-old was not the Red Devils' only star performer last term. Carlos Tevez picked up where he left off at West Ham with 19 goals and plenty of assists; Rio Ferdinand put in a very strong claim for the title of world's best defender; and evergreen 'keeper Edwin van der Sar capped another excellent season with a title-winning display in the penalty shoot-out in Moscow.

Nonetheless, Sir Alex Ferguson's side have failed to gel this term while Ronaldo has been on the sidelines, and Senna believes they are incapable of hitting top gear without the Seleccao superstar.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is fundamental for Manchester United, so it’s great news for us that he’s not been playing,” the Spain midfielder told The Times.

“Although United are a great team full of talents like [Carlos] Tévez and [Wayne] Rooney, even they would admit that Cristiano Ronaldo is easily the best of them. 

“It’s probably too much to say that United are half the team without him, but I would say that United lose at least 30 per cent of their power when he’s not playing.”

Ronaldo, who underwent ankle surgery in July, will miss Villarreal's visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday but is expected to return when United take on Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend.

source: Kieran Quentin

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