The magnificent career of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or five times, flourished at Old Trafford during the 2000s before he made a historic transfer to Real Madrid and then, in 2021, he triumphantly returned to United.
Ronaldo is one of the luminaries that are included in this group.
Despite the fact that Ronaldo left the club shortly before Mainoo made his debut with the senior team, it is possible that Mainoo got the opportunity to participate in training sessions alongside the Portuguese master.
Nevertheless, in a surprising turn of events, Mainoo chose not to include Ronaldo on his list of the top three United icons when he was asked to name them during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.
Instead, he chose to focus on Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, and Eric Cantona as the United players he considers to be his most valuable icons.
Rooney is the personification of the attacking brilliance of Manchester United, as he holds the record for the maximum amount of goals scored while wearing a United jersey.
Scholes, who is widely regarded as one of the most formidable midfielders in the Premier League, exemplifies the very definition of technical skill and strategic intelligence.
Despite the fact that Cantona’s era came before Mainoo’s, the Frenchman continues to be a mysterious figure whose aura extends beyond mere on-field accomplishments and represents the core of United’s philosophy and culture.
Mainoo’s selections highlight the ongoing history and cultural significance of these United stalwarts.
This demonstrates his tremendous appreciation for the club’s past, despite the fact that he did not have any firsthand experience during Cantona’s era.
The fact that Ronaldo is conspicuously absent from Mainoo’s list may cause some people to raise their eyebrows; yet, it is indisputable that the choices that Mainoo has made are worthy of recognition and appreciation.