A recent ranking by the news outlet The Athletic has ignited a firestorm of controversy among Manchester United supporters. The publication placed Cristiano Ronaldo at 10th on their list of the 25 greatest players to ever represent the club, a decision that many fans have labeled as disrespectful given his impact at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, initially joined the Premier League side in 2003 for a reported £12 million from Sporting CP. During his first tenure under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, he developed into a global superstar, helping the club secure nine trophies, including three league titles and a UEFA Champions League crown. By the time he departed for Real Madrid in a record £80 million deal, he had cemented his status as one of the club's most talented players. Across both his spells—the first from 2003 to 2009 and a return in 2021—Ronaldo made 346 appearances, scoring 145 goals and providing 73 assists. He also claimed the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2008.
Critics of the ranking took to X to express their disbelief, with one user calling it a "p***take" and suggesting he belongs in the top five. Other fans argued that his early contributions are often overlooked, describing him as the most complete player of his generation. Supporters pointed to his individual accolades and consistent goal-scoring record as evidence that he should be ranked higher than players like Peter Schmeichel and Duncan Edwards.
The debate also revisited his difficult second stint at the club. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast in 2024, admitted that while signing Ronaldo was the right move at the time, the reunion did not yield the desired results for either party. Despite scoring 27 goals in 54 appearances during his return, the team's balance and morale suffered, as noted by Solskjaer. Ronaldo’s second spell ultimately ended in November 2022 when his contract was terminated following a fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, leading to his move to Al-Nassr in January 2023.
The most complete player of this generation"Yush @yusha123LINK@AndyMitten @TheAthleticFC People forget how good he was during his first spell with us, before he turned into a poacher.
The most complete player of this generationOther fans reacted below:Robert @robbieswain14LINK@AndyMitten @TheAthleticFC Feels very lowBen @BenChr1stopherLINK@AndyMitten @TheAthleticFC Ronaldo FC to this tweet when they come across it.Notorious @FullCipherLINK@AndyMitten @TheAthleticFC 3 premier leagues in a row two POTY most goals in all three as a young player, greatest player in the modern era of Manchester United historyTacitus @FableUtd7LINK@AndyMitten @TheAthleticFC They hate him, so they won't admit he's No 1.
