Lionel Messi Rates Cristiano Ronaldo’s Start At Manchester United

Lionel Messi has given his thoughts on the early days of Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United.

Paris Saint-Germain and United both made big moves during last summer with the Portuguese departing Juventus for a return to Old Trafford and the Argentine making a free transfer to the Parc des Princes.

Messi has taken his time to settle into French football and although Ronaldo made his mark immediately after his return, he has somewhat stagnated during the period that led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking. But according to the former Barcelona star, his rival does not deserve criticism.

“Cristiano already knew the club, but that was in another stage and now he has adapted in an impressive way,” Messi told Marca.

“From the beginning he has scored goals as always and had no problems adapting. In the Premier League things aren’t as we all thought, but it is a very difficult and even competition in which things take a lot of turns. After December it changes a lot and anything can happen.”

English football’s ruthlessness is something the six-time Ballon d’Or winner understands. It is true that the Portugal skipper hasn’t performed as well as one would want him to, but that is only according to his own standards that he set for himself.

United are going through a tough spell currently and that has also been a factor that interfered with the former Real Madrid man’s run of form. His exploits as a youngster in England speak for itself so it would be best to judge him at the end of the season.