Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi as Man Utd superstar fares MUCH better than old rival despite ‘nightmare’ season
CRISTIANO RONALDO is bossing Lionel Messi – despite many describing the Manchester United superstar’s season as a ‘nightmare’. The Portuguese hero, 37, returned to Old Trafford in the summer in a dramatic transfer. But although it has not quite worked out as he may have hoped, he still boasts better stats than Messi who is […]
CRISTIANO RONALDO is bossing Lionel Messi – despite many describing the Manchester United superstar’s season as a ‘nightmare’.
The Portuguese hero, 37, returned to Old Trafford in the summer in a dramatic transfer.
But although it has not quite worked out as he may have hoped, he still boasts better stats than Messi who is enduring a tough time in his debut campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.
Excluding Ronaldo’s one appearance for Juventus before joining the Red Devils, the United ace has featured 28 times across all competitions.
His tally of 15 goals – including nine in 22 in the Premier League – is better than Messi’s seven in 21, with just two in 15 in Ligue 1.
Despite playing 504 minutes more (2296 to 1792), Ronaldo still has a better goal ratio at 153 minutes per goal compared to Messi’s 256 minutes.
Even with Messi’s eight assists to Ronaldo’s three, the PSG forward trails the overall goal contributions 18-15.
The United man also has more shots (105-79) and touches in the opposition box (172-96).
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Messi, 34, has created more chances, has more passes at a better success rate, touches and gives possession away less.
He has also been unfortunate, hitting the woodwork a whopping nine times to Ronaldo’s one.
And the Argentine has strayed offside on just five occasions whereas Ronaldo has been flagged 25 times for United this season.
But even if Ronaldo is ahead on the individual stats, it is Messi who looks likely to add to his trophy cabinet.
United are not going to win the Premier League, are already out of the League Cup and FA Cup meaning their only chance of silverware and ending their trophy drought is the Champions League.
PSG, however, are well on course for their tenth Ligue 1 crown – despite a shock 3-1 loss at Nantes – and look likelier to go all the way in Europe.
Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
