Cristiano Ronaldo ‘boxed off’ observation made as ex-Man Utd & Wrexham keeper Ben Foster insists ‘too many’ members of Erik ten Hag’s squad are ‘happy to be injured’
**Cristiano Ronaldo’s Work Ethic: A Lesson for Manchester United Players**
In the midst of Manchester United’s injury woes, Ben Foster, former Red Devils and Wrexham goalkeeper, has turned to Cristiano Ronaldo as a beacon of inspiration. Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic and dedication to fitness serve as a stark contrast to the current predicament faced by Erik ten Hag’s squad, marred by a slew of injuries.
Ronaldo’s unparalleled commitment to physical conditioning and injury prevention has cemented his status as a footballing icon, even as he nears the age of 40. Foster attributes Ronaldo’s exceptional fitness levels to his meticulous approach to training, where every aspect of his preparation is carefully managed and optimized to minimize the risk of injury.
Reflecting on Ronaldo’s behind-the-scenes regimen, Foster remarked, “He invests in himself as his own business and makes sure he has got everything boxed off. So it’s all looked after. So he very rarely will pick up an injury, because of that exact fact.”
In line with club legend Wayne Rooney’s criticism of United players’ approach to injuries, Foster emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent injuries rather than solely focusing on rehabilitation efforts. He contends that players should prioritize preemptive measures such as extra gym work, warm-ups, cool-downs, and targeted strengthening exercises to minimize the risk of injuries or recurrence.
While acknowledging that some injuries are unavoidable, Foster believes that the majority can be prevented through diligent preparation and preventive work. United’s current injury crisis, which has sidelined key players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Luke Shaw, underscores the urgency of adopting a proactive approach to fitness and injury prevention.
As Ten Hag navigates through mounting pressure and speculation surrounding his future, the upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United and the FA Cup final against Manchester City present critical opportunities for United to bounce back and salvage their season. With European qualification hanging in the balance, Ten Hag will be banking on his players to emulate Ronaldo’s work ethic and deliver decisive performances on the pitch.
