Harry Maguire Reflects on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return to Manchester United
Harry Maguire has given an honest and respectful assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United, admitting that while the team struggled badly, Ronaldo himself continued to deliver at an elite level.
When Ronaldo sensationally returned to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021, the move sent shockwaves through football. For fans, it was emotional. For players inside the dressing room, it was surreal.
Maguire described the moment simply: having Ronaldo “walk through the door was incredible.” That statement alone captures the aura surrounding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Even seasoned internationals understood they were welcoming back one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
According to Maguire, there was never an issue with Ronaldo’s professionalism or attitude. “I can’t speak a bad word about him,” he said — a strong endorsement given how turbulent that period became. Ronaldo’s standards, dedication, and mentality were widely acknowledged during his first spell at United, and by most accounts, that mentality hadn’t changed.
On the pitch, the numbers support Maguire’s view. Ronaldo finished the 2021/22 season as Manchester United’s top scorer with 24 goals in all competitions. In a campaign where United lacked consistency, identity, and defensive stability, Ronaldo often carried the attacking burden. He scored crucial Champions League goals, dramatic late winners in the Premier League, and even delivered a memorable hat-trick against Tottenham.
Maguire summed up the contradiction bluntly: “We were rubbish and he was still scoring goals.”
That line perfectly captures the strange dynamic of that season. United collectively underperformed, cycling through managers and struggling to find cohesion. The defensive record was poor, the midfield lacked balance, and performances were inconsistent. Yet Ronaldo remained decisive in key moments.
The frustration, as Maguire admitted, was that the team couldn’t “find a way to perform with him in the team.” This became the central debate of Ronaldo’s second spell. Some analysts argued that the team’s pressing structure suffered with him leading the line. Others countered that without his goals, United would have finished far lower in the table. What’s clear is that the problems ran deeper than one individual.
By the time Ronaldo’s contract was terminated in late 2022 following his controversial interview, the relationship between player and club had deteriorated publicly. For many supporters, the ending overshadowed the contributions. But Maguire’s reflection serves as a reminder that inside the dressing room, there was still admiration.
Ronaldo’s return may not have delivered trophies or a sustained title challenge, but it did produce moments of brilliance. It also highlighted the wider instability within the club at the time. As Maguire suggests, the issue was never about Ronaldo’s ability — it was about whether the team environment was functional enough to maximise a player of his calibre.
In the end, Ronaldo proved he could still score at the highest level. Manchester United, however, could not prove they were ready to rebuild around him.
