In a headline that has taken social media by storm, claims have circulated suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo has officially rejoined Manchester United on a one-year contract after resolving previous issues with the club’s board.
Adding to the surprise, new United boss Ruben Amorim is said to have requested Ronaldo’s iconic number 7 shirt be returned to him as a symbolic gesture of the club legend’s comeback.
While this story has generated excitement across fan communities, especially among loyal supporters of the Red Devils, it’s important to examine the validity of such a report.
As of late May 2025, there has been no official confirmation from Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, or credible football outlets such as Fabrizio Romano, BBC Sport, or Sky Sports about a return to Old Trafford.
In fact, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club he joined in early 2023 after leaving Manchester United for a second time.
At age 39, Ronaldo continues to play a key role in Saudi football, both on the pitch and as a global ambassador for the league.
His current focus appears to be on helping Al Nassr achieve domestic and continental success, not on returning to European football.
The idea of Ronaldo coming back to Manchester United is an emotional one for fans, especially given his legendary history with the club from 2003 to 2009.
During that time, he won numerous trophies, including three Premier League titles, a Champions League title, and his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.
He returned briefly in 2021, where he made an immediate impact, but his second stint ended on a sour note following public criticism of the club in a controversial interview, which ultimately led to the termination of his contract by mutual consent.
The story of his alleged third return, while exciting in theory, clashes with Manchester United’s current direction.
Under new ownership and structural reforms guided by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, the club has shifted its focus towards long-term planning, investing in young talent and building a squad with future sustainability in mind.
Signing a 39-year-old Ronaldo, especially for a marquee role, would conflict with this rebuilding strategy.
Furthermore, new manager Ruben Amorim, known for his tactical discipline and preference for youth development, has not made any public statements indicating interest in Ronaldo.
The report claiming he requested the number 7 shirt to be handed back to Ronaldo appears speculative at best.
In summary, while the story of Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic return to Manchester United is captivating and has sparked nostalgic reactions, it currently lacks credibility and factual support.
Fans should approach such reports with caution and rely on verified announcements from trusted sources.
