Ronaldo is coming back to Manchester
We can scarcely believe we’re writing this but here goes: Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to imminently join Manchester United – not Manchester City.
No, really.
Despite appearing certain to seal a move to the Etihad on Thursday night, a drastic turn of events has now seen City pull out of a deal to sign the 36-year-old, with United now expected to take him back for a second stint at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo was first signed for United by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2003, leaving for Real Madrid six years later. In his time at United he helped the club to its third European Cup along with three league titles.
Ferguson, it seems, has played a key role in what appears to be his return to the club. According to the Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst, Ronaldo had a conversation with his former manager on Friday morning, when a move to City looked imminent. United are said to have made him a contract offer soon after.
United have submitted a contract offer to Cristiano Ronaldo after he spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson this morning. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 27, 2021
Ronaldo is, for now, a Juventus player but reports claim talks with United and their former number seven are at an advanced stage.
Earlier on Friday, Ronaldo’s former teammate Rio Ferdinand had given hope to United fans that the move to City had broken down via a cryptic tweet. Few at that stage would have envisaged it meant United were considering a move for him.
Speaking later in the day, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinted that United were in talks to sign Ronaldo after all.
For now, he looks set to rejoin United. We should probably stress the “for now” part. At this stage it feels like anything can happen.
