Man Utd boss Solskjaer: Ronaldo can play into his 40s

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he believes Red Devils superstar Cristiano Ronaldo can play football into his 40s.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Premier League giants United before the summer transfer window closed and the energetic 36-year-old has scored four goals in his first three matches back at the club.

As Ronaldo continues to defy his age, Solskjaer does not expect the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to slow down any time soon.

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo. | PHOTO: Courtesy |

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still playing at 40, not at all,” Solskjaer told journalists ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Aston Villa.

“The way he looks after himself, that’s the key, that’s the key to it all and, of course, some genes. There must be some genes in there! He has put every single ounce of energy and effort into becoming the player he is.”

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The manager was speaking in a pre-match conference ahead of the Premier League meeting with Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. | PHOTO: Courtesy |

“He deserves every single plaudit that he gets for first, his own physical state but, even more impressively, when you have achieved as much as he has. He is still just as hungry as ever.

“His mentality is still absolutely spot on and that’s just desire from inside of him and he’s going to keep going until his legs or even his head say no that’s it, I’ve given everything now.”

Solskjaer’s side are level with Chelsea and Liverpool atop the Premier League and have won 18 of their last 21 home league games against Villa drawing two and losing one, failing to score on just one occasion in that run.

In Premier League history since its inception, no side has won more games against an opponent than United’s 37 victories against Villa.

Since a goalless draw with Manchester City last December, United have scored in each of their last 15 Premier League home games (44 goals in total). However, Solskjaer’s men have also conceded in each of their last seven league games at Old Trafford, last having a longer top-flight home run without a clean sheet in February 1972 (8 games).

United are the highest scorers in the Premier League so far this season with 13 goals. With an expected goals total of eight, the Manchester outfit are also overperforming their xG more than any other side this season (five goals more).

Ronaldo has so far three Premier League goals including a brace against Newcastle in his debut at Old Trafford and a goal against West Ham United last weekend. The other goal he has score is in the UEFA Champions League when he scored in a 2-1 defeat to Young Boys.