Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is hoping Cristiano Ronaldo is at the top of his game when the Gunners travel to Old Trafford in the Premier League next week.
Ramsdale, who moved to the Emirates in the summer in a deal worth up to £30m, has enjoyed an outstanding start to his career in north London.
The England international displaced Bernd Leno between the sticks in Mikel Arteta’s team early on in the season and hasn’t looked back.
The 23-year-old goalie has kept five clean sheets in nine Premier League matches and made a number of superb saves to get his team out of trouble.
A big test is coming up after this week’s clash against Newcastle as Arsenal go away to Manchester United on December 2, with Ramsdale set to face five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo.
The Portugal international has scored 10 goals in all competitions since re-signing for the Red Devils in the summer despite his team’s struggles this campaign.
Ramsdale is relishing the chance to have a ‘full-on battle’ against one of football’s all-time greats – Ronaldo.
‘I’d never thought I’d play against Ronaldo, but I really hope he’s on it against us because it gives me a chance to test myself,’ said Ramsdale at Amazon’s Black Friday Live event.
‘As much as you want to go somewhere like that [Old Trafford] there’s no better feeling than getting on top of someone and saying I’ve had a full-on battle with Ronaldo.’
Ramsdale has also praised the work of Arsenal manager Arteta, who has steered the club back up the table after a poor start to the season.
‘I think because he’s come out the game fairly recently, he’s got the great management skills,’ added Ramsdale on the Spaniard.
‘He’s very approachable and has worked with arguably one of the best coaches in the world.’
