It was supposed to be a day when Manchester United's illustrious pipeline of young talent would take the spotlight, but it didn't work out that way. In its place, the victory over Fulham was quickly overshadowed by a player who was approaching the end of their playing career.
Only hours after Alejandro Garnacho scored a dramatic winner at Craven Cottage, the positives of United's win were dwarfed in comparison by the bombshell interview that Cristiano Ronaldo gave and the repercussions that it had.
The word'respect' came up multiple times during the course of Ronaldo and Piers Morgan's lengthy conversation together. Even though it is something he hasn't shown the club, his former teammates, or the current squad, Ronaldo believes he didn't receive it from Erik ten Hag or the United hierarchy. However, he hasn't shown it to the current squad either.
Since making his debut with the first team, Garnacho has looked up to Ronaldo and been in awe of him. Garnacho idolizes Ronaldo. The young footballer from Argentina has been very effusive in his praise of the Portuguese great on social media, and he even mimicked the Portuguese icon's celebration after scoring a goal for Real Sociedad. After the young player asked Ronaldo for a personalized plan to increase his muscle mass, it is believed that Ronaldo was a significant factor in the recent drastic improvement in the player's fitness level.
The 37-year-old has unquestionably made a positive contribution to Garnacho's recent form, regardless of the mess he leaves behind; however, the greatest gift he has possibly left is the fresh fuel that he has lit in the belly of the teenager.
The interview that Cristiano Ronaldo gave 'doesn't affect' Portugal - Santos
Fernando Santos maintains that the contentious interview that Cristiano Ronaldo gave to Piers Morgan "doesn't affect" Portugal
In an interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo stated that "all leagues in the world, the youngest now, they are not the same as my generation." But we can't hold it against them because, well, that's just how life is sometimes. The new generation, in combination with the new technologies, is better able to avoid, postpone, or divert their attention to something else so...
"I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I'm always looked to see the best players when Van Nistelrooy, Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Giggs - this is why I have the success that I have and the longevity that I have. Because I observe these individuals and gain wisdom from them, I make it a priority to take care of my body, my state of mind, and my head.
The hypocrisy lies in the fact that today's young people, just like he was when he was their age, are eager to gain knowledge from the most accomplished. The key distinction is that, rather than looking up to the consummate professionals who came before them, they are emulating a figure who kept his mouth shut when he signed with the club and then undermined its reputation by airing his grievances in a highly publicized television interview.
Garnacho should not only be furious that the 'Diva Ronaldo' quickly overshadowed the crowning moment of his professional career, but he should also be furious at the veteran's doubts about the work ethic and commitment of the current crop of youngsters. Not only should Garnacho be angry about this, but he should also be furious at the veteran.
In point of fact, the criticism hits particularly close to home for Garnacho given that both Ten Hag and Bruno Fernandes have recently criticized his attitude, but he is now reaping the rewards after having an epiphany during the preseason.
It is accurate to say that the player, who is only 18 years old, possesses a great deal of untapped potential. Even with his meteoric rise, he has not yet established himself at the very highest levels. He will only be able to live up to his promise if he is able to match his obvious talent with an equally impressive attitude.
A further incentive for him to show that he is not like other young players should come from Ronaldo's criticism of these players, and there is also the long-term incentive of Ronaldo giving up his No. 7 shirt the following summer.
At this point in time, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Garnacho are thought to be the frontrunners to take the shirt at the end of the season. However, whoever is successful in doing so will need to demonstrate that they are able to handle the pressure that comes along with it in order to keep it.
Although it is still way too soon to tell, the youngster from Argentina certainly possesses all of the raw attributes that are necessary to become one of the leading players of his generation. However, it is still far too early to tell if he will go on to become one of the leading players of his generation.
It was wise of Ronaldo to warn him about the dangers posed by those distractions. It is up to Garnacho at this point to show him that he was wrong to be concerned in the first place.
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