Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly being considered for a remarkable third stint at Manchester United, sparking speculation about his potential return to Old Trafford. The 39-year-old forward left the club in 2022 following a publicized fallout with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. This disagreement led to Ronaldo’s departure, which was heavily covered by the media. Since then, the Portuguese star has been playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he is currently under contract until 2025.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest footballers of all time, has expressed his desire to reach an extraordinary milestone of 1,000 career goals before retiring. His relentless pursuit of records continues to drive his career forward, even at the age of 39. According to a former Manchester United teammate, if the club were to extend an offer for Ronaldo to return, it might be hard for him to decline, given his strong emotional ties to the club where he became a global football icon.
Wes Brown, a former Manchester United defender, recently weighed in on the possibility of Ronaldo’s return. In an interview, Brown emphasized that Ronaldo’s comeback should not be dismissed outright. He remarked, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United can never be ruled out. His second exit was disheartening for everyone, especially considering his legendary status at the club.
A comeback could be a way to mend the past.” Brown also noted Ronaldo’s impact during his brief second stint with the club, where he scored more than 20 goals in his first season back. He believed that Ronaldo’s exit was premature and unnecessary, adding, “It would be great to see him return in some capacity.”
Ronaldo’s second exit from Manchester United came amid his frustrations with the club’s performance, particularly after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season. His departure was further complicated by a public feud with Erik ten Hag, which soured relations between the player and the club’s management.
Despite this, a potential return could serve as a way for Ronaldo to reconcile with Manchester United and possibly finish his career on a high note at the club where he spent some of his most successful years.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s current situation at Al-Nassr also remains a topic of interest. The Saudi Arabian side recently parted ways with their manager, Luis Castro, creating some uncertainty within the club. Reports suggest that Ronaldo may be eager for a reunion with a coach he knows well, possibly former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.
There have been rumors that Ronaldo even recommended Zidane for the managerial position at Al-Nassr. However, the club quickly dismissed the notion, stating that they would not be appointing Zidane.
Despite the speculation, Ronaldo remains focused on his current goals at Al-Nassr, where he continues to perform at a high level. Yet, the prospect of returning to Manchester United, even for a third spell, is one that continues to captivate fans and pundits alike. If the club were to extend an invitation, Ronaldo might view it as an opportunity to write a new chapter in his already illustrious career and make amends for his previous exit.
With Ronaldo’s undeniable talent and legendary status at Manchester United, the idea of him returning for one last run in the Premier League remains a tantalizing prospect for fans. Whether or not this reunion will materialize remains uncertain, but as Wes Brown suggested, a Ronaldo comeback at Old Trafford can never be entirely ruled out.
