The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to inspire Manchester United to victory in his first clash against fierce rivals Liverpool since his triumphant return to Old Trafford
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Cristiano Ronaldo has issued his fellow Manchester United stars with strict instructions before they welcome Jurgen Klopp’sLiverpool to Old Trafford.
United are in the middle of a particularly poor run of form, having picked up just three wins from their last eight outings – their most recent league fixture a 4-2 defeat away at LeicesterCity.
As a result, the level of scrutiny and pressure surrounding Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has significantly increased.
Given the level of financial backing the United manager received in the summer, overseeing moves for Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Ronaldo – Solskjaer is running out of time to secure his first piece of silverware since taking the reigns in December of 2018.
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United have not won at home in the league since Ronaldo’s second debut after re-joining in the summer from Juventus – which came on September 11.
Things have fared differently in the Champions League, recent back-to-back home wins over Villarreal and Atalanta have both seen late winners from Ronaldo.
Boasting just one clean sheet from their last 13 games, United now find themselves eight points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.
United’s number seven has insisted the club are in a transition period – one that will take time.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ronaldo revealed: “We are in a moment in my opinion that Manchester [United] do a few changes; they buy me, they buy [Raphael] Varane and [Jadon] Sancho.
“The adaptation will take time, even the system of the game that we play, but I think step by step we have to put it in our mind that everything is possible.
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“I don’t speak only about my individual stuff, I put the collective in first place. To win things as a collective, it’s more easy to win individual stuff, I still think it’s possible.”
Ronaldo then went on to deliver instructions to his teammates before Sunday’s clash – calling on all to be willing to sacrifice for the team.
“Everyone should know their role. I know my role in the team, in the club… my role is to score goals, to help the team with my experience and know-how to understand the game.
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“If everyone is thinking like that, sacrifice for the team, I think we will be a better team.
“We have fantastic supporters behind us, fantastic stadium, fantastic team, so we have to carry on like that.”
Manager Solskjaer will know all too well another home defeat will only further the uncertainty around his future as United boss.
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