Portugal legend Luis Figo makes Cristiano Ronaldo admission amid Man United situation

Cristiano Ronaldo has started just one game for Man United so far this season

Dan Brown

05:30, 08 Sep 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during Man United's 3-1 win over Arsenal. (Image: 2022 Getty Images)

Portuguese legend Luis Figo is confident that Cristiano Ronaldo will play a vital role for his country in the World Cup in Qatar later this year, despite starting just one game for Manchester United this season.

Ronaldo, who expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford in the summer in search of Champions League football, failed to secure a move away from United in the transfer window. The 37-year-old has featured in all six of Erik ten Hag's side's opening six Premier League matches, but has only started one game.

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The veteran forward is expected to start in the Reds' first Europa League game of the season at Real Sociedad on Thursday night, with Marcus Rashford currently operating as the club's main striker while Anthony Martial is out injured.

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While United are less dependent on Ronaldo for goals this season, the former Real Madrid man is under pressure to perform for Portugal at the World Cup.

Despite his slow start to the season, Ronaldo's former Portugal teammate Figo is confident that the forward will be a big contributor for his country in Qatar.

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Speaking to O Jogo, Figo insisted that he backs Ronaldo to deliver for his country, saying: "Nobody has doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s quality, delivery and professionalism.

"I’m sure he’ll perform at the World Cup in the best possible conditions, I don’t know what those conditions will be.

"But without a doubt, due to his quality and his great professionalism, I think Portugal can be calm about what it can give to the national team."

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Although Ronaldo has not featured regularly for the Reds so far this season, he is expected to play more often in October with United playing 10 times next month. While it is unlikely that he will be involved in all of those games, he is certain to take part in some.

Portugal will be hoping that Ronaldo has enough game time under his belt heading into the World Cup, but also that he is rested and ready for the start of the tournament. The 37-year-old has never won the World Cup, so will be desperate to add the trophy to his honours list.

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