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Peter Schmeichel urges Manchester United to build team around Cristiano Ronaldo

Schmeichel urges Man United to build team around Ronaldo
© Reuters
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to build his team around the returning Cristiano Ronaldo this season.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to build his team around Cristiano Ronaldo when the club legend completes his move back to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils confirmed on Friday that they have reached an agreement with Juventus to re-sign the 36-year-old, who is expected to join up with his new teammates after the international break.

Ronaldo adds to an already-packed roster of attacking talent at Solskjaer's disposal, including the likes of Edinson Cavani, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Daniel James and Jesse Lingard.

However, Schmeichel believes that Ronaldo must be the focal point of any team Solskjaer selects, even at the age of 36.

"You saw him not long ago, he's still lightning fast. For me, he's so good even at 36 years of age, that you have to build something around him and not try to accommodate him in the current team," the Dane told BBC Sport.

"I think as a Manchester United fan I was very, very pleased when we signed Bruno [Fernandes]. He's been tremendous and Bruno is a world class player, but this is completely different. This is what we've been hoping for for a very, very long time.

"The club goes into the market and only signs the best players in the world. I think this is the best transfer window since Sir Alex [Ferguson] left the club. This is where we sign top class players."

Ronaldo initially left Man United for Real Madrid 12 years ago, having helped the Red Devils to three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League during his six-year stay at Old Trafford.

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Written by
Barney Corkhill

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