World Cup: ‘You’re massive problem for Portugal’ – Nicky Butt to Ronaldo

Former Manchester United man, Nicky Butt, has noted that Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez has a ‘massive problem’ on his hands in 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.

This is despite Martinez defending his decision not to sub off the Al Nassr forward in their disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday.

The Spanish manager refused to directly question Ronaldo’s largely anonymous showing at his post-match press conference, instead pinning the blame on an apparent lack of support in attack.

Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, “I think he’s got that much of an ego, Cristiano. He’s a great lad but he’s got such an ego and he’ll be a massive problem for that squad.

“He was when he came back to Manchester United for a second time, it was a problem.

“If you look at the fans [for Portugal’s draw with DR Congo] last night, they had around 20,000 Portuguese fans and I reckon 18,000 had ‘Ronaldo 7’ on their back so you’ve also got that to deal with as a manager as well.”

Martinez told reporters after the game, “We have to utilise all the players on the pitch. The lead attacker [Ronaldo] needs to be close to the six-yard box and we need to get the ball to him.”