Harry Maguire, Manchester United’s defender and former captain, recently shared candid insights into Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford during a discussion on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast.

Ronaldo’s high-profile return in 2021 came with soaring expectations, especially after United finished second in the Premier League the previous season. However, despite Ronaldo’s continued goal-scoring prowess—netting 24 goals in 38 appearances across competitions—the club endured a disappointing campaign, finishing sixth in the league.

Maguire praised Ronaldo’s unwavering quality, emphasizing that the Portuguese superstar remained United’s best player throughout that difficult season.

“I can’t speak a bad word about him. It was amazing to have him. Even when he just walked through the door, it was incredible,” Maguire said.

Yet, he acknowledged how frustrating it was that the team couldn’t build an effective system to leverage Ronaldo’s talents, resulting in tactical misfits and overall underperformance.

Tactical Disconnect and Frustration

Maguire explained that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s approach at the time focused heavily on aggressive pressing and maintaining a structured shape. This system had brought some success previously, with United finishing second and third in consecutive seasons before Ronaldo’s return. Yet, integrating a world-class talent like Ronaldo required adaptation that the squad struggled to implement.

“Our system under Ole was all about being on the front foot, pressing like a machine. We weren’t the best team, but it was all about tactics and maintaining a shape,” Maguire said. “Cristiano came in, and we just didn’t adapt well enough for him, and you could tell he was just so upset and frustrated.”

Maguire remembers the hopes that came with signing Ronaldo alongside other key arrivals like Raphael Varane, only for those ambitions to fall short amid managerial upheaval and tactical struggles following Solskjær’s departure.

Ronaldo’s Legacy and Lessons from a Difficult Chapter

Despite the tumultuous second spell, Ronaldo still produced memorable moments for Manchester United, including crucial Champions League performances with late winners against Villarreal and Atalanta.

However, the episode underscored the challenges that arise when a team cannot fully synchronize its system with its marquee player’s strengths.

Maguire concluded that Ronaldo’s struggles were not his fault but a symptom of a broader failure to build tactics around him. The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner ultimately left Manchester United by mutual agreement in December 2022, marking an unhappy end to a much-anticipated reunion.

Looking back, Maguire praised Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s tenure positively, pointing to the structural stability the Norwegian manager initially brought. Ronaldo’s return exposed the gaps in team cohesion and tactical flexibility needed to sustain success at the highest level.

This chapter in Manchester United’s recent history remains a stark reminder of the fine margins between individual brilliance and collective team performance—and how even the greatest talents need the right environment to thrive.