Trevor Sinclair has told talkSPORT that Cristiano Ronaldo would have been a better fit at Manchester City than United, as Pep Guardiola lacks an out-and-out centre-forward.
The Citizens explored signing the Red Devils icon before he sealed his return to Old Trafford for an initial £13m. Ronaldo could now make his second Manchester United debut when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side host Newcastle on September 11.
Manchester City backed out of all negotiations with Juventus for Ronaldo last Friday before United swooped, per Sky Sports. Guardiola had a chance to sign the Portuguese and while the Citizens appreciated him, their board felt he did not match their ideal transfer profile.
Sinclair, however, believes Ronaldo would have been a superb addition at Manchester City as he would have solved a clear need in his former side’s squad. Occupying the void that Sergio Aguero left, after the Argentine departed at the end of his contract in June.
Sinclair said: “I feel his impact at Manchester City would have been huge. They haven’t got a striker [and] they need one. The possession and the amount of chances they carve out and don’t get finished because they haven’t got an out-and-out striker, such as Aguero or someone like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Of course, he would [have been a better fit at City]. Man United have got Edinson Cavani, who does a very similar job. I’m sure Manchester United fans are delighted that he’s gone to Manchester United. But whether he’s gonna change their whole season? I don’t think that’s the case – he could have been massive for Manchester City.”
Should Manchester City have signed Ronaldo, like Sinclair claims?
Ronaldo would have undoubtedly solved Manchester City’s lack of a recognised striker if signed from Juventus, like Sinclair claims. But the Citizens hierarchy prioritised the club’s transfer ethos above a likely short-term fix.
Time will tell if Guardiola will live to regret not signing a striker to replace Aguero in the summer market. The Citizens are not having too much trouble scoring after thrashing Norwich and Arsenal 5-0 in their last top-flight fixtures.
The routs moved City level with West Ham on 10 goals as the Premier League’s top-scorers so far. Even though they lost 1-0 at Tottenham – who top the table – on the opening day.
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