Former Premier League Star Says Ronaldo Problem Needs To Be Fixed At Manchester United

Former football player and manager Paul Merson advised Manchester United to give Cristiano Ronaldo a 'free role' or even be dropped off the team as a way to fix problems for the United's previous games.

Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column Tuesday how United began the season in the wrong place due to the presence of Ronaldo. After spending time with Juventus, the Red Devils signed up with the legend back to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.

The 48-year-old Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently stepped down from his duties as Old Trafford manager, less than 24 hours after United's 4-1 defeat to Watford. Solskjaer's assistant, Michael Carrick, has been assigned as temporary in-charge while the team searches for an interim manager until the end of the season.

Merson said that that Solskjaer's plan for the entire season was spoiled when they signed Ronaldo in.

The Portuguese football legend has continued to fight and execute scores from time to time, with nine goals across all competitions this season, but still United showed struggles throughout their games.

The English football TV expert believed that Manchester United is a better team without Ronaldo. He stated that Ronaldo's presence made the whole team less threatening, referring to the previous home defeat to Manchester City.

"When they played Man City last week, when they came out there was only one team winning that, it was embarrassing. Much worse than the Liverpool game, it was shocking it was made even worse when Liverpool go to West Ham set up the way they did and played the way they did, at the moment they're [Man United] are all over the place."

"It's alright people saying,: 'He's done his job, he's scored goals,' But United need to play as a team to win trophies, not have someone who stands up front and puts the ball in the net 20 times a season. They need a team," he continued.

Merson said that United needs to find a position for Ronaldo or give him a free role instead. He added how a team should always work as a team. He firmly believed that the club is not dominant enough in midfield and United will be better without the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.