Cristiano Ronaldo may not be returning to Old Trafford after all.
Ronaldo’s Champions League debut for Juventus didn’t exactly go according to plan as the Portuguese superstar was sent off before half-time.
Ronaldo was given his marching orders for what appeared to be a relatively innocuous coming-together with Valencia defender Jeison Murillo.
Murillo hit the deck after a collision with Ronaldo and it remains unknown whether it was the initial clash or Ronaldo’s reaction that resulted in the reigning Ballon d’Or holder’s red card.
Juventus’ £99 million summer signing appeared to grab Murillo’s hair as if to urge him up to his feet and Ronaldo threw himself to the ground after being sent off for the 11th time in his career.
Here’s Ronaldo’s red. The 11th of his career but first in the Champions League: pic.twitter.com/y9LbwnTZDq
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 19, 2018
Because it was a straight red card, it would mean that Ronaldo will miss Juventus’ upcoming clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
In all likelihood, the Serie A side will appeal the decision and the 33-year-old could well be eligible to make his return to his former club but it’s impossible to predict how Uefa will deal with the red card.
Former United teammate Rio Ferdinand was in little doubt about the questionable nature of the decision and anticipated an appeal from Juventus.
Surely got to appeal this… @Cristiano?? #Juve #UCL pic.twitter.com/aL76vq2xTj
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 19, 2018
