Perhaps the hottest news during this transfer window has been the agreement between Juventus and Manchester United for the return of Ronaldo to the Theatre of Dreams.

This is a story that has been 12 years in the making, and it is sure to fulfil the dreams of both young United fans, and those with long memories, alike. However, as much as the fairytale has come true, here are 3 reasons why Ronaldo may not win the Golden boot.

3 Reasons Why Ronaldo May Not Win The Golden Boot – Reason 1

Competition. There is no doubt that the Premier League has become the greatest Football league in the World(in the eyes of Brits the World over).

When you consider the talent that now resides in the league, it is not an era when a top quality overseas player, and Ronaldo IS top quality, can come in and dominate. Take, for instance, Harry Kane. Rumoured to be on his way to City, Kane has pledged his immediate future to Tottenham Hotspur. Why would he do this? Because it is likely that Kane has been given assurances that the squad at Spurs would improve to the extent that they would now challenge for honours. And, this has been no idle promise. Spurs have brought in a host of quality squad additions, and with a new manager in Nuno, they look a revitalised force for the season.

All of this means that Ronaldo is competing for the golden boot, in the same way that he and Messi competed for the Ballon D’Or for so long. As exciting an addition as Ronaldo is, the competition for honours is fierce, and he may not edge it by the end of the season.

Age

The fairytale is real, however we are not getting the same Ronaldo that was here previously. The electric pace, brash confidence, and fear that the opposition experienced have had their edges shaved.

We are now dealing with a 36 year old Ronaldo. This Ronaldo has honed his skills to perfection, which is something that has improved since he last wore the red of Manchester. However, Ronaldo, CR7, is no longer infused with the energy of youth. So, when you consider the positive addition to his skillset, and subtract his age, the result is an excellent striker…however, not necessarily a World beating striker any longer.

All of this, of course, won’t matter over the next couple of years that Ronaldo graces the Premier League. His goals will still likely tally highly, and his revenue earning potential is still undiminished. However, the fact is that time waits for no man, and Ronaldo will challenge, but not necessarily win the Golden boot.

Reason 3 – Track Record

It is clear that Ronaldo was unstoppable in Spain. His record of 311 goals from 292 games for Real speaks for himself. One of the greatest statistics that a striker can achieve is the coveted ‘goal per game’ tally, and Ronaldo surpassed that in Spain.

However, his record in Italy for Juve, whilst impressive, showed a dip from those dizzying heights. His tally of 81 goals from 98 games surpassed the impressive feats of Lukaku, however it never achieved the record beating ‘goal per game’ tally that he had set so often in Spain. Was this a sign that his powers are waning? Some would say NO! They would say that the Real team provided more opportunity, and that whilst Juventus have an impressive team, they could not deliver the supply that CR7 needed. And that has some truth to it.

However, if you look at Real with Ronaldo, and Real without Ronaldo, you will see a huge difference. Ronaldo carried the attacking threat for Real Madrid. Benzema has been a capable successor, but lacks the absolute statistical mastery that Ronaldo demonstrated season after season. By contrast, Ronaldo had become a dispensable item by the time he left Italy, demonstrated by his 99 purchase price, and just under 13 million reported sale price.

It is also supportive to note that in his previous spell at Manchester United, Ronaldo averaged less than a goal every two games, in fact 84 goals from 196 games. Of course, not too much weight can be placed on this because A. He was learning his craft, and B. He wasn’t in the Real Madrid team. Despite this, it could also be a factor that the league is simply one where the ‘goal per game’ objective is more difficult to achieve.

It is true that the Manchester United squad is a very good squad, and is constantly improving. However, it may not have the supply that Madrid had, and goals may not be as easy to come by.

Summing It All Up

Above, we have outlined 3 reasons why Ronaldo may not win the golden boot. However, at the end of the day, who cares? We are going to see a legend of the game return to the Premier League, a fact we should all absorb, and enjoy.

Whether or not CR7 wins the Golden Boot, let’s enjoy one of the legends of the game whilst he is still competing. In addition, he will definitely add three things to the United squad: Goals, Experience and Revenue.

Welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo! You still in the hearts of Man Utd fans everywhere..now it’s time to make that spot permanent, and imprinted on the next generation!