Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Maguire shared details about the excitement, the reality check, and the disappointment that followed.

From Title Hope to Season of Frustration

According to Maguire, the atmosphere changed instantly when Ronaldo walked back into the dressing room.

“I can’t speak a bad word about him,” Maguire said. “It was amazing to have him. Even when he just walked in through the door, it was incredible.”

But omo, here’s where it gets painful — despite Ronaldo scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions that season, United finished sixth in the Premier League. The team’s form dipped, the chemistry never clicked, and frustration set in.

Why Things Didn’t Work Out

Maguire explained that under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, United’s style was all about pressing hard, staying aggressive, and keeping a solid shape. That system had worked well enough to secure second and third place finishes in the two seasons before Ronaldo’s return.

However, integrating Ronaldo into that high-press system didn’t go as planned. Maguire admitted the team “didn’t adapt well enough” to maximize Ronaldo’s strengths, and it showed in their results.

“It had nothing to do with Cristiano because, like I said, he was our best player that year by far. The tactics around him just didn’t work,” he noted.

The End of an Era

The 2021/22 season saw the Red Devils lose Ole Gunnar Solskjær, a manager Maguire still praises highly. He said the way Ole set up the team during those two years was the best he ever felt playing for United.

Still, with Ronaldo and Varane joining after a second-place finish, Maguire thought the team was ready to push for the title. Sadly, “it just never happened.”

Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately left Manchester United in December 2022 after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, closing the chapter on what was meant to be a fairytale return — but turned into a season full of what-ifs.

It’s been claimed that the Reds are lining up a record-breaking proposal to bring the Swedish striker to Anfield this summer. And guess what? Isak is reportedly 100% open to the move.

Omo, if this one clicks, Premier League defenders need to brace up o!

Romano revealed that Isak only wants Liverpool and is not considering any other club—even after Saudi side Al-Hilal allegedly threw £600,000 per week (tax-free!) on the table to lure him to the Middle East.

But forget the oil money—Isak’s eyes are firmly set on Anfield and the Premier League champions’ project under Arne Slot.

Now here’s where the heat is rising—Newcastle United hold the key. The Magpies are yet to make a final decision, but sources claim Liverpool are waiting with a “strong offer” that could smash their current transfer record.

With Diaz already off to Bayern and Liverpool looking to reinforce their attack, fans should expect major movement soon.

Isak, 25, has been one of the standout forwards in the Premier League, and this move—if sealed—might be the blockbuster signing that changes the league’s attacking power balance.

Speaking after Bruno’s brace in United’s 2-1 pre-season win over West Ham, Amorim told MUTV that while the midfielder is undeniably gifted, he tends to lose focus when things aren’t going his way.

“Sometimes, the problem is he gets frustrated and loses a little bit of focus of his job… Sometimes, he wants to help the teammates so much, it is not the best thing to do,” Amorim said, as quoted by Independent.

Omo, this is going to hot—calling out your captain before the season even begins?

Let’s not forget, Bruno had crazy stats last season despite the chaos. He racked up 19 goals and 19 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions. But sadly, the team’s performance didn’t match up.

United finished the 2024/25 Premier League season with just 42 points—hovering dangerously above the relegation zone. Omo that one still dey pain fans till now. And to make it worse, they lost the Europa League final 0-1 to Tottenham, crushing their last hope of UCL football.

According to reports, Bruno was heavily criticised by fans and pundits last season for “trying to do too much” and not letting the team flow naturally. Amorim seems to agree—insisting the midfielder must learn to trust the system.

“They have to do their job and Bruno has, for example, to wait for the ball,” the manager added.

Let’s see if the skipper can tone down the solo energy and lead United’s rebuild the right way.

Currently, Saka has been the club’s go-to man from the spot since Lacazette left. On some occasions, he’s shared that role with Martin Odegaard. But let’s be honest—both have missed crucial penalties in recent seasons.

Now here’s where it gets hot: Gyokeres reportedly scored all 19 of his penalties at Sporting CP last season. No miss. Nothing. Just pure ice.

Speaking to the press after the match, Arteta said:

“I’m sure that he will step in if they allow him to do so. Because as you say he’s been very consistent and he’s scored many goals. But we have some other penalty takers – really good ones as well. So they will resolve it themselves, and if not, I will intervene in the right moment.”

Omo, e be like Arteta dey give warning in code sha!

Though the boss didn’t outrightly confirm the switch, it’s clear he’s open to letting the players sort it out themselves—unless someone flops again.

According to reports, the Arsenal coaching team has been impressed with Gyokeres’ composure and finishing in training. And if pre-season form is anything to go by, the Swedish striker might soon be standing over the ball at the penalty spot.

This could mean less pressure on Saka and more confidence up front.