Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential return to Manchester United has been a hot topic ever since his controversial departure in the winter transfer window of 2023.
After a tumultuous end to his second spell at Old Trafford, many believed that a reunion between the two sides was out of the question. However, whispers of a possible return have emerged, with one key factor being the involvement of Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim. According to former Manchester United player Louis Saha, Amorim could be the catalyst for what would undoubtedly be a shocking move.
Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United was far from graceful. In a highly publicized interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo criticized then-manager Erik ten Hag, as well as the club’s training facilities and overall management. His departure, coupled with his strained relationship with Ten Hag, seemed to mark the end of the 39-year-old’s time at Old Trafford. Yet, despite leaving on bad terms, there’s a belief that Ronaldo would love the opportunity to return and mend the fractured relationship.
Saha, speaking to Betfred, emphasized that Ronaldo’s potential return wouldn’t be based solely on the friendship he shares with Amorim. “I do think Cristiano Ronaldo would love to return to the club in a role where he’s respected,” Saha stated. “He left the club on somewhat bad terms, so the club’s hierarchy may not want it to happen, but the players and the fans understood what he was trying to say. People can’t say that what he was saying was wrong.” According to Saha, Amorim could facilitate the move, but only if he truly believes Ronaldo can contribute to the team’s success.
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The connection between Ronaldo and Amorim dates back to their shared Portuguese heritage, and it’s no secret that Ronaldo has a great deal of respect for Amorim’s managerial abilities. In a statement, Ronaldo was quick to wish Amorim well when the latter was appointed Manchester United manager, underscoring the mutual respect between the two. Amorim, in turn, acknowledged Ronaldo’s admiration, even recalling a lighthearted exchange where Ronaldo had referred to him as “the poet.” This camaraderie could be the bridge that helps bring Ronaldo back to the Premier League, but only if the timing and circumstances align perfectly.
It’s worth noting that Ronaldo’s first spell at Manchester United was largely successful, especially on a personal level. During his first season back in 2021/22, he scored an impressive 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions. However, his second season quickly soured as disciplinary issues emerged. One of the most publicized incidents was when Ronaldo, along with several other players, left a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano early. This marked the beginning of a strained relationship with the club, which ultimately led to his departure midway through the 2022/23 season.
Since then, Ronaldo has enjoyed considerable success in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, where he has maintained a remarkable scoring record, netting 55 goals in 56 appearances. Still, despite his success in the Middle East, Ronaldo has often spoken about his desire to reach the milestone of 1,000 career goals. With his current tally standing at 910 goals (775 for clubs and 135 for Portugal), it’s conceivable that Ronaldo could still play for another two seasons, potentially achieving his goal in the process. But would a return to Manchester United facilitate that pursuit?
The logistics of a potential return are complicated. While Ronaldo wouldn’t command a hefty transfer fee due to his age, his wage demands would likely be astronomical. It’s been reported that during his previous stint at Manchester United, Ronaldo was earning nearly £500,000 a week. With the club’s new owners, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, aiming for a more sustainable financial approach, such a high salary might not align with their strategy. Ratcliffe has been vocal about the need to move away from “Hollywood” signings, meaning a high-priced superstar might not fit into the club’s long-term plans.
Furthermore, Manchester United’s current financial situation is under scrutiny. The club, still recovering from the lavish spending spree during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, is reportedly working with a reduced budget moving forward. Ten Hag’s signings, which amounted to over £600 million across five transfer windows, have yet to deliver the expected results on the pitch. As such, the focus at United seems to be shifting toward building a more balanced squad, with young talents like 16-year-old Chido Obi-Martin – who has reportedly impressed the club’s youth coaches – being prioritized over big-name signings.
Despite these financial constraints, the presence of Ruben Amorim at the helm could alter the dynamics. Amorim, who has built a solid reputation in Portugal with Sporting CP, is known for his tactical acumen and his ability to work with younger players. His approach could dovetail with Ronaldo’s ambitions to extend his playing career and continue achieving personal milestones, such as reaching 1,000 goals. However, Amorim’s managerial philosophy could also influence whether Ronaldo is truly needed at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach has already made moves to fast-track Obi-Martin into the first team, highlighting his preference for nurturing youth rather than relying on aging stars.
In the context of Manchester United’s current squad, there is also the matter of player roles. Amorim has reportedly experimented with Antony in a new position as a right wing-back, a move that could signal his intention to revamp the team’s tactical setup. In addition, Amorim has made it clear that he is focused on strengthening specific areas of the squad, including the left wing-back role. Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies has been identified as a potential target, with Amorim reportedly making him his “dream” signing.
Given all these factors, the prospect of Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United appears far from certain. While the club’s financial constraints and strategic direction might make such a move unlikely, the personal connection between Ronaldo and Amorim could be the X-factor that swings the deal. Both men have publicly expressed admiration for one another, and if Amorim believes Ronaldo can still contribute to the team, the stars may align for a remarkable third spell at Old Trafford.
While it’s easy to dismiss the idea of Ronaldo returning to Manchester United due to the complicated history and the club’s evolving priorities, football has a tendency to surprise. Could Amorim, a manager who has worked wonders in Portugal, be the man to oversee this unexpected reunion? Time will tell. But one thing is for sure – a return for Ronaldo would shake the football world, adding another unexpected chapter to his illustrious career.
In the end, the question remains: Could Cristiano Ronaldo really return to Manchester United? It’s a possibility that can’t be entirely ruled out, especially with the influence of Ruben Amorim on the horizon. If the timing is right, and the financial terms can be negotiated, Ronaldo’s third stint at Old Trafford might not be as far-fetched as it initially seemed.