Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1, with newcomer Antony opening the books for the Red Devils in the game with his debut goal for the PL side. Marcus Rashford, then, scored a brace in the second half to seal the deal, but talismanic Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo remained goalless after coming on as a substitute. 

This has been the longest the forward has been without a league goal since 2009, having already made five appearances in six of United’s Premier League games. 

Erik ten Hag brought on Ronaldo soon after Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka had managed to equalize Antony’s goal which Ronaldo celebrated. 

Once Ronaldo was in the thick of things, the former Ajax manager played the 37-year-old as the primary striker, with Rashford playing on the left flank, more as a pressing player similar to Christian Eriksen. 

“Marcus played as a nine and from the flank, he played like Christian Eriksen, a pressing style, he transferred extremely well”, the Dutchman explained after the match. 

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While many have questioned Ronaldo’s ability to press, the forward kept the pressure on Arsenal’s defence, bearing down on them at opportune moments. Viewers have commented that Ronaldo drew much of the defenders towards himself, opening Arsenal up to Rashford’s incisive runs which gave United the victory. Despite not scoring himself, Ronaldo’s movements and field presence went a long way in ensuring the Red Devils walked home the winners. 

The clip above shows some of Ronaldo’s quieter contributions in the fixture and after the match the Portuguese star posted a message on social media, saying “Well done, lads! And a very special thank you to our supporters!”. He added, “Let’s go, Devils!”

Coach ten Hag seemingly has a plan for Ronaldo too, having recently said that he’s looking forward to a successful season together. However, words from the manager and fans seemed to be of little consolation for Ronaldo who looked hungry to net one for as long as he was on the field. His frustration, at some of the better chances getting away from him, was also visible. 

One of these came when Fred’s cross went off the mark and landed ahead of Ronaldo before he could cover the ground, allowing the Arsenal goalie to subdue the situation. 

Two of his other instances involved fellow countryman Bruno Fernandes. In one instance, Ronaldo passed the ball to Fernandes hoping the forward would either net one himself or pass it back for the striker to tap in. However, Aaron Ramsdale was on top of things and grabbed Fernandes’ attempt at a chip just as the ball took off the ground. 

While this was still forgivable, Ronaldo was visibly angry after the second squandered opportunity in the final minutes of the game, and was left kicking the air. He’d won an aerial ball which went to Fred. The Brazilian box-to-box midfielder passed it to Fernandes, who could have passed it back to Ronaldo. However, in the time it took the 27-year-old to react, an Arsenal defender was on him and Fernandes couldn’t get the ball past the man.

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Ronaldo’s personal feelings aside, fans have lauded the team effort and recognized the veteran’s contributions in the game, with one person commenting on Twitter, “Ronaldo was instrumental in reinvigorating United’s attack. His press led to the mistake on Arsenal’s part that gave way for the 2nd goal. His press led to Ramsdale’s mistake. And he literally started the build-up for the 3rd goal. So when they say he’s the problem. I ask: how?” 

United travel to Palace next and then host Leeds and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be looking to end his goal drought in the upcoming fixtures.