[USAManUtd13]

First off, I want to say that this is turning into an excellent thread, whether you agree with the OP or not (I don't).

Strike rates, shots on goal, etc, etc...they're all relatively meaningless to me. Ronaldo has been good this year, yes, he's the best footballer in the world right now, yes, but I don't think that status and those titles really amount to much when it comes to the importance to a team.

I'd disagree vehemently that Ronaldo is the provider of many goals for the rest of the team; he's far too selfish. I don't know what his assists for the season are, but I can assure you they are misleading. If you watch every kick of the ball this season you'll know that regardless of what statistics may say, Ronaldo is not the provider of goals in the very prolific way Rooney is.

Wayne Rooney may never break goal scoring records, but you need to open your eyes to the fact that his worth on the pitch may be beyond that of goals/game. His worth even transcends that of footballing skill; he provides a work rate and passion every game that Ronaldo has rarely provided - he inspipres. He is vital.

I've stated before that I'm not convinced that Ronaldo is amongst the top 3 important players to the TEAM (although, I think after looking back on this season I'd include him - replacing Giggs with Ronaldo). I believe that his antics demoralize the team and his selfish play, at times, slows down the attack. I also believe that, at times, United becomes a very predictable team. It's not good that when players get the ball at their feet, their first instinct a fixation towards the right wing, which happens.

I was actually discussing this elsewhere: There are times when I'd prefer Beckham on the wing to Ronaldo.

HOWEVER, it's obvious that Ronaldo is a vital asset to the team, and I don't disagree with that statement. I think he's an amazing footballer and an absoulte joy to watch. I also have high expectations that his maturity will continue to increase and that, insodoing, his worth to the team will also increase (after all, he's still only 23). I just don't agree with the love affair - at the expense of other United players - that certain United fans have with Ronaldo.

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Took me so long to type this that 3 others responded before...

Dirtycheat summarized it best: You don't have to have a great strike rate to be considered a great striker


....I'm going to have to take some time to add karma to nearly every post in this thread! Great stuff, fellas.