Dimitar Berbatov warns Manchester United of potential Cristiano Ronaldo problem

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Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has highlighted that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could struggle to keep everyone happy within his squad following Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the club.

Ronaldo, who handed United the lead in their surprise 2-1 defeat to Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening, returned to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day on a two-year-deal from Juventus.

The Portuguese star, who has scored three times in his first two appearances since his fairytale homecoming, was set to join Manchester City in the summer transfer window.

But United were not prepared to let that happen, making a late move for him after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner held talks with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Although Ronaldo's return has been welcomed by almost everyone connected with United, not least the supporters, his addition to the squad is likely to have a negative impact on the futures of both Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial, with opportunities for the pair of them now likely to reduce.

And that is a fear currently held by former United star Berbatov, who has highlighted that Solskjaer could now struggle to keep them happy.

Berbatov told Betfair : "Two games, three goals for Cristiano Ronaldo back in a red shirt. I'm not surprised by the immediate impact he has made at United and he will only get better as the season goes on.

"You cannot argue with his goalscoring and the aura that he brings to the team. The fans gave him a great welcome back last Saturday and he repaid them with two well-taken goals.

"It will be interesting to see how Ole keeps the other players happy. He will have to decide how he uses the likes of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial. This is when managing a talented squad becomes difficult because players will feel hard done by.

"Cavani is probably unhappy. He had a great first season at United and how he's dropped down the pecking order and lost his number seven shirt. I hope Ole has had an honest conversation with Cavani about his plans for the team.

"As a player in this situation, you understand that the manager's job is to pick the best team, but you always want to play and become unhappy when you're left out."



PUKmedia / Manchester Evening News