Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo shares his opinions on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Premier League clash vs Manchester United
In the pre-match conference for the Manchester United fixture (h/t Football.London), Tottenham Hotspur manager, Nuno Espirito Santo has hailed Portuguese compatriot and Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 36-year-old forward is considered to be one of the greatest attacking players in the history of the game. Ronaldo sent United fans into a frenzy when he announced an emotional homecoming to Old Trafford earlier this summer. The former Real Madrid player has already managed to score three goals in six Premier League appearances since.
He also managed to score the decisive goal against Atalanta in their last UEFA Champions League fixture. Despite his heroics, the Manchester-based club is in shambles with consecutive defeats in the Premier League. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under tremendous pressure to deliver results following the 5-0 whitewash at home by arch-rivals Liverpool.
Santo talks about his affiliation with Ronaldo and states that he is very proud of the 36-year-old Portuguese attacker’s achievements. Hopefully, he will put that respect aside when the phenom lines up against us on Saturday.
“Of course, I was proud to say I was part of the squad for Euro 2008 so yes I know him. Ronaldo for all of us Portuguese is something we are very proud. Ronaldo brought us so many moments of immense happiness. When you go around the world and people ask you where you’re from and you say Portugal the first thing they say is Ronaldo.”
Nuno himself is facing a testing issue as his side has been unable to showcase their attacking edge this season. Harry Kane has struggled in front of goal while the other players sans Son Heung-min appear lacking in imagination. Their lack of a traditional No.9 has haunted them with 17-year-old Dane Scarlett being too young to replace the 28-year-old striker at this moment in time.
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The Lilywhites were given some relief with their EFL Cup victory against Burnley thanks to a brilliant header from Lucas Moura. Santo would be hoping that his players can build on the performance against the Clarets and clock a favourable result against Manchester United.
Hopefully, Nuno can put aside his admiration for Ronaldo and focus on the task at hand. All his attentions on the night should be focussed on silencing his countryman and hurt him the same way Liverpool did.
