Ten Hag vindicated by alternative league table
The football world was in a collective state of shock following Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan prior to the Qatar World Cup last November.
Ronaldo failed to secure regular game time under newly-appointed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in the opening months of the season.
In November, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner took the drastic step of trying to force a move away from Old Trafford by giving an exclusive tell-all interview to TV personality Morgan.
The now infamous two-part interview was the final straw for Ten Hag and the club, who were ultimately left with no option but cut ties with the Portuguese star. Both sides agreed to mutually terminate his contract.
There was much debate at the time as to who was in the right, but just in case you hadn’t been convinced by watching United on the pitch since Ronaldo’s departure, the stats also categorically settle the argument, as United sit top of the 10-game league table since CR7 left.
Premier League form table. Click to expand. Via thefishy.co.ukAs the table highlights, Ten Hag’s United look like a side reborn in the wake of Ronaldo’s exit, sitting atop the adjusted Premier League table for the time period in question.
Having claimed an impressive 23 points over the course of their last 10 league games, United have won seven, drawn twice and lost only once in the league- a run which now leaves them in third place.
Marcus Rashford has been leading the line in place of the departed Cristiano Ronaldo. The England international has been in inspired form since returning from the winter World Cup, bagging an excellent tally of 14 goals in all competitions.
However, with both Man City and Arsenal still being five points ahead of United, and the latter with a game in hand, a late title charge does appear to be just out of reach for ten Hag’s rejuvenated side.
A superb 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou in the Europa League round of 32 was yet another indicator of just how far this team has come since the start of the season, which saw a Ronaldo-led United lose to both Brighton and Brentford.
With Ronaldo now plying his trade for Al Nasr in the Saudi Arabian Pro League and United in such a rich vein of form, it’s clear to see that ten Hag’s side are much better off without the drama which accompanies the world’s best-paid player.
Related links:
- Quiz: Name the footballers to have played for Man United and Barcelona
- Jordi Cruyff urged Alex Ferguson to sign two Real Madrid legends for Man United
- Man United’s four player transfer shortlist if Qatar takeover goes ahead
