Returning from Istanbul, Ronaldo felt as if he had been put into a machine that never stops.The team's "engines"—Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, the two midfield maestros of the Red Devils—are driving the entire team forward with unprecedented intensity.
During training, Scholes' passing seemed to have a navigation system, always appearing in the most unexpected yet most comfortable positions.His long passes were like surgical precision, cutting through the opponent's defense; and his stunning long-range shots repeatedly left substitute goalkeepers helpless in scrimmages.What impressed Ronaldo even more was Scholes' control of the game's tempo, that wisdom in making the most rational choices in the blink of an eye—something the young Ronaldo urgently needs to learn and internalize.
Keane, on the other hand, was a moving volcano.His roars echoed throughout Carrington, often spurring not only on opponents but also on his teammates.During one defensive training session, Cristiano Ronaldo was a little slow in his pursuit, and Keane's roar immediately exploded in his ears: "Cristiano!Are your legs just decorations?Get running!From here!To there!Now!"
The sternness in his eyes was almost scorching.Ronaldo didn't argue, but gritted his teeth and sprinted back to corner the winger who was simulating an attack.Keane didn't yell again, but nodded almost imperceptibly in his characteristic way.
Cristiano Ronaldo understands that this isn't directed at him personally; it's Keane's method.He uses this almost brutal strictness to maintain the toughness and fighting spirit of Manchester United's midfield and the entire team.He is the backbone and soul of Manchester United.
What truly made Ronaldo realize the terrifying power of these two engines was the fourth round of the league, when he faced Blackburn Rovers, a team known for its tough style and nicknamed "Violent Blackburn," away from home.
Ewood Park has never been a friendly place.From the first minute, Blackburn's players used their signature strength and aggressive tackles to try and tear apart Manchester United's technical midfield.Scholes and Keane became their primary targets.
During a midfield scramble, Scholes was tackled from behind by the opposing midfielder Savic, who brought him down with the ball.The referee blew his whistle, but Scholes was already clutching his ankle in pain.Ronaldo's heart leaped into his throat.
However, just a few minutes later, after receiving brief treatment from the team doctor, Scholes limped back onto the field.The next time he received the ball, facing Savic's flying tackle, Scholes did not back down at all.He passed the ball half a step ahead, while also withstanding the impact.Although he fell to the ground again, the ball had already accurately found the advancing Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo received the ball, his heart pounding.He watched as Scholes silently got up, his face expressionless, as if the pain had never happened.This is the resilience of the "Master of Silence."
Keane, in particular, turned this match into a display of his individual will.He was like a midfield sweeper, omnipresent.During a Blackburn counter-attack, creating a two-on-two situation, Keane tracked back from midfield, using a precise and ferocious sliding tackle to cleanly clear the ball out of bounds, leaving the opposing player with the ball on the grass as well.He stood up, not even glancing at the fallen opponent, but instead sweeping his sharp gaze across his own half, roaring for his teammates to immediately take their positions.
Led by two veterans, Manchester United withstood Blackburn's fiercest opening attack.Their offensive power then fully erupted in the 37th minute.
Keane made a clean and decisive interception in the backfield, and without hesitation, passed the ball to Scholes, who had dropped back to receive it.Scholes didn't even stop the ball, but instead launched a long, low pass of over forty meters.The ball seemed to have eyes, piercing through Blackburn's entire midfield line and precisely finding a huge gap on the right flank of the attacking third!
There, Ronaldo, understanding perfectly, had already launched his attack!Like a wild horse, he easily controlled the ball, creating a one-on-one opportunity!
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, he calmly slotted the ball into the far corner!
1:0!
"Goal!Perfect teamwork!Keane's tackle, Scholes's deadly pass, Ronaldo's calm finish!Manchester United's attacking chain is so clear and efficient!" the commentator exclaimed.
This goal perfectly demonstrated Manchester United's midfield dominance.Ultimately, Manchester United secured a comfortable 2-0 victory away from home.
After the match, in the locker room, Ronaldo took the initiative to walk up to Scholes and Keane.
"Paul, Roy, thank you for your passing and defense," he said sincerely.
Scholes simply nodded.Keane looked at him and said, "Kid, remember this feeling.Manchester United's victories have always been built on a strong midfield.You need to learn to pass that kind of ball yourself."
Cristiano Ronaldo nodded emphatically.He looked at these two engines, one silent and the other roaring, filled with respect and a stronger desire rising within him.
He not only wants to be the finisher, but also the new engine that drives the team forward in the future.