Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in acrimonious circumstances in 2022 - he couldn't come back again, could he...?
(Image credit: Alamy)
Could Cristiano Ronaldo return for a third spell at Manchester United? Surely not…
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner left Old Trafford for the second time at the back end of 2022, after he and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract. That came amid a rift with manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo subsequently joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar turns 40 next February, but he is showing no sign of hanging up his boots any time soon, continuing to bang in the goals for club and country.
Ronaldo has been a success in Saudi (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite CR7's less than amicable exit from Old Trafford almost two years ago, Wes Brown reckons he could re-join the Red Devils to patch things up. The former United and England defender, who spent six seasons alongside Ronaldo at United, said:
"When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United in some capacity, you can never say never.
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"Obviously when he left the second time, we were all disappointed because he had been one of United's best-ever players. It was disappointing how it ended and I think he could return to try and make amends for the sour ending.
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"Even in his first season back at the club, he scored over 20 goals. I think the exit was a bit over the top, but for him to come back in some way, I'd love it."
Ronaldo and Brown won five major trophies together at United (Image credit: Alamy)
So... Cristiano Ronaldo back at Manchester United again? How about it?
It's hard to imagine CR7 doing anything in football but playing the game – as he has for more than two decades. It's even harder to see him re-joining United while Ten Hag is still in charge – not least after he publicly criticised his former boss just last week.
Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...
