CRISTIANO RONALDO failed to find the net yet again in a wasteful performance in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Watford.
The striker, 37, now has just one goal in his last ten games, highlighting United’s need for a world-class finisher.
An exasperated Cristiano Ronaldo looks to the sky after missing a chance
Ronaldo appears to have lost his clinical touch and he cannot blame a lack of chances for drawing a blank on this occasion.
Unlike the draw against Atletico Madrid in mid-week, when Ronaldo had just two shots, the Portuguese had countless opportunities against The Hornets.
Inside the opening five minutes Anthony Elanga presented him with a chance 12 yards out but CR7 hit the post instead of finding the bottom corner.
Moments later Alex Telles supplied a perfect cross which Ronaldo tapped home, only to be ruled offside.
But he had got the right side of Samir and did not need to wander into an offside position – a player of his calibre and experience ought to have done better.
Things did not get any better after the break when Ronaldo met a low cross from Bruno Fernandes but struck straight at a Watford defender with the goal gaping.
Manchester United lack a world-class finisher like Harry Kane
There is no way Ronaldo would have missed that kind of opportunity in his prime, hinting that his days at the top level may be coming to and end.
Harry Kane, who incidentally scored a beautiful volley at Leeds in the early kick-off, would have had a hat-trick from the chances Ronaldo missed.
The Red Devils have been linked to the England captain as well as Erling Haaland – both strikers fit the world-class criteria United are after.
Ronaldo’s lack of cutting edge was emulated by his team-mates, particularly Fernandes, with United managing just THREE shots on target from 23 attempts.
The Portuguese midfielder volleyed miles wide from close range and moments later headed over with Ben Foster scrambling to get into position.
Pogba also found himself with space in the box early in the second half but his wayward shot never looked like troubling the Hornets goalkeeper.
The Frenchman then turned provider moments later with a lovely flick through to Elanga, who somehow blasted wide.
Elanga was a threat throughout while Ronaldo was also a handful for the Watford backline, but until he regains his scoring touch United will have to settle for grinding out points.
That being said, not enough of his team-mates are chipping in with goals and that will trouble Ralf Rangnick.
United did manage to put four past Leeds last week without Ronaldo getting on the scoresheet, but they boast the Premier League’s leakiest defence with 60 goals conceded in just 26 games.
