Man United: Ian Wright claims Red Devils would be ‘nowhere near’ top four without Cristiano Ronaldo

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has claimed that Manchester United would be way off the pace without Cristiano Ronaldo this season as he warned the Red Devils could face another hammering at the hands of Liverpool.

The Portuguese forward starred as the Red Devils returned to winning ways in a five-goal thriller against Norwich on Saturday but without his hat-trick United looked vulnerable against the rock-bottom side.  

United travel to Anfield on Tuesday to face quadruple-chasing Liverpool, who beat Manchester City with a 3-2 victory of their own in the FA Cup semi final. 

Wright also sent United a warning ahead of their midweek league clash against Liverpool

Tuesday’s clash is crucial for both sides with Jurgen Klopp’s side chasing City at the top of the Premier League, while United are still in the race for top four, sitting fifth three points adrift of Tottenham. 

They clinched a vital three points as Ronaldo bailed his side out with his treble after the Canaries had fought back from being 2-0 down. 

Wright claimed Ralf Rangnick’s side wouldn’t be close to a Champions League spot without the 37-year-old. 

He told Premier League productions: ‘If he [Ronaldo] wasn’t at Manchester United they would be nowhere near where they are now. That’s what you pay for and he’s delivered. He’s amazing, amazing.’

The Portuguese forward’s free kick clinched the 3-2 win for Ralf Ragnick’s side 

The 37-year-old helped his side clinch a vital three points after Norwich fought back

But the former Gunners forward warned if United replicate their woeful performance from the weekend against their bitter rivals, they could face a similar 5-0 hammering against Liverpool as they did earlier in the season.

‘We’re talking about a team at the bottom of the league [Norwich] who gave United two goals today, literally. And they’re still able to open United up. If United play like that against Liverpool they’re going to get absolutely hammered.’ 

Ronaldo will reportedly receive a bonus of £850,000 following his hat-trick in the 3-2 win.

According to The Sun, Ronaldo triggered a bonus-related clause in his contract after reaching 21 goals for the season.

United suffered a 5-0 mauling at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool earlier in the season 

Ronaldo’s contract includes a £750,000 bonus for reaching 20 goals plus a further £100,000 for his hat-trick strike. 

He will now receive £100,000 for each further goal he scores in the remainder of this season.

United will also pay their top scorer this season £1million and Ronaldo seems almost certain to achieve that accolade given that he is 12 goals ahead of his closest challenger Bruno Fernandes.

Furthermore, Ronaldo would receive around £2.75million in total payments if he manages to reach 30 goals this season.

Although he has received some criticism at times since returning to United last year, Ronaldo is playing a major part as he looks to keep his team’s hopes of finishing in the top four alive.