Cristiano Ronaldo is “a problem” for Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, according to Manchester United legend Nicky Butt.
Portugal drew with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to start their World Cup campaign.
The 41-year-old had a terrible start to his sixth World Cup. Despite playing the entire game, the experienced forward didn’t appear to be at his best, and many said that his presence hindered the team.
Portugal manager Martinez was unable to extend their early advantage and failed to respond to Yoane Wissa’s equalizer in spite of having a great team at his disposal.
See Also: The 2026/27 Premier League Fixtures Released
The manager is faced with a crucial selection decision ahead of their upcoming match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
Given him being unquestionably one of the greatest players in history, Ronaldo has failed to score in his previous ten major tournament appearances.
Ronaldo ‘A Problem’ For Martinez – Butt
According to The Mirror, United legend Butt, who played with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at Old Trafford claimed that Martinez is uncomfortable due to Ronaldo’s status.
“Cristiano’s a superstar, he’s one of the best that has ever lived,” Butt told Paddy Power. “You look in the stadium, pretty much every Portuguese had a ‘Ronaldo 7’ on their shirt. He’s a god there. But he’s causing a problem, definitely 100 per cent, no one can say he isn’t.
“The minute [Martinez] brings Ronaldo to the tournament he has to play him, he can’t sit him on the bench unless he had a discussion with him beforehand and said ‘You’re not starting, you’re coming on and you’re going to impact the game.’
“It’s a horrible place for Roberto Martinez to be in, I feel sorry for him because you’ve got a player who has been a fantastic footballer, he’s the god of the country and you’re going to need to leave him out.”
