Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival into the Premier League became the most talked-about moment of the transfer window despite plenty of other massive moves. The goals, the image and the nostalgia had plenty excited.
However, this overshadowed for many the greater context of what it would do to Manchester United’s ever-improving squad. Already having acquired Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, the squad was on its way to finding the much-needed balance. A central midfielder could have arguably completed it.
From an Arsenal perspective, who had just signed six 23-and-under talents, the difference in squad quality and depth was an even greater concern for the Gunners. Despite this, Arsenal’s team and deepened group of players remains an exciting bunch with plenty of blossoming stars for the future.
Manchester United added Sancho to a group containing young stars like Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Amad Diallo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Yet, Ronaldo’s presence has impacted Greenwood and not in a good way. Despite maintaining his starting spot after the Portuguese’s arrival, Greenwood has failed to score in any of the subsequent games.
Greenwood played in United’s last two league games, losing to Aston Villa and drawing with Everton. The youngster also made a substitute appearance in the 1-0 elimination from the League Cup against West Ham.
The debate amongst supporters as to who holds the best young talents often sees Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea collide. Greenwood, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Callum Hudson-Odoi being the cornerstones of the discussion.
Martinelli however has struggled for minutes and has fallen away in the debate entirely. Mikel Arteta has favoured Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe in the wider positions and Nicolas Pepe often gets a look-in ahead of the Brazilian.
However, with Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to depart for the African Cup of Nations, the door could open for Martinelli in the coming months to break back into the fold.
Should Ronaldo’s presence continue to hamper Greenwood’s influence and output, Martinelli could be presented with an opportunity to re-enter the conversation.
This will fall on the shoulders of Arteta to give him that chance but with goals an issue, the Spaniard is inclined to consider all his options. Especially after yet another impressive outing behind closed doors against QPR over the international break.
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