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FORMER West Ham footballer, Paulo Di Canio, believes that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to reclaim his place on the wing and not play centre-forward for Old Trafford.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner started his career out left during his first stint at Manchester United and used it to great effect when he moved to Real Madrid before morphing into a centre-forward.
Although Cristiano largely played up top in Juventus, Paulo reckons that the Portuguese ace isn’t too keen on being used as a lone striker in Ole's team this season.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport's, In The Box, podcast, Paulo said: "Cristiano will improve the technical level, but he joins a team with many strikers and wingers.
"Ole said he sees him as a centre-forward, but Cristiano didn't want to do it at Juventus.
"I still see him starting on the left, but United have other players in the same position, including Jadon (Sancho), who was paid €85 mil (RM418.7 mil), but has been struggling to settle in so far."
Di Canio added: "Marcus (Rashford) will return, Mason (Greenwood) and Anthony (Martial) too. Ole leaves his strikers free up front, so this could be good for Cristiano.
"There is enthusiasm, but it remains to be seen if Cristiano will be a cumbersome presence like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] was. Sometimes, young players, without much personality, don't understand that he wanted the best from them."
Cristiano, who is set to make his second debut for Manchester United on September 11 when the Red Devils play host to Newcastle, will wear his trademark seven shirt after Edinson Cavani agreed to hand over the number and sport 21, the same number he wears for Uruguay. – Agencies, September 7, 2021