Cristiano Ronaldo has longest goal scoring drought in 13 years

With their 1-1 draw against Southampton, Manchester United have now drawn their last two games by a 1-1 scoreline. These are games that they would’ve been expected to win, but have not been able to do so. 

The biggest talking point to come from the recent games is Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring drought. The number 7 has failed to score in his last six appearances in all competitions, which is his longest since January 2009. 

After starting off the season in a rich vein of form, the Portuguese star has hit a rough patch where the goals have dried up. And Manchester United’s performance as a team has been very poor as well. This has caused their chances of finishing in the top four to decline as well. 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s longest goal scoring drought in 13 years

“He would have wished to score, I would have too,” coach Ralf Rangnick said. “Today he had his chances, with one cleared off the line, and had good moments in the second half.

“Again, it is not only Cristiano but as a team we create enough chances but cannot score. It is a major problem.”

“We lost a bit of composure, took the wrong decisions and this is where we have to get better,” United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said post-match.

“Whenever we prepare the team, we have had an excellent first half hour like today but have to do it for longer.” 

Manchester United’s performance in the second half often drops off, after an intense beginning. And this is a recurring pattern in their game under Ralf Rangnick, which has resulted in a drop in performance of the team as a whole. And Ronaldo’s game also seems to be taking a hit.