Manchester United are in talks over a return for Cristiano Ronaldo, reports Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.
Ronaldo has left Juventus and his representatives have been in contact with United’s rivals, Manchester City. However, according to Simon Stone, City will now not be signing him, despite considering the possibility.
Manchester United in Talks Over Cristiano Ronaldo
Red or Blue?
Since it became apparent over the last few days that Ronaldo was going to leave Juventus, it looked increasingly likely that he would complete a controversial move to Manchester City.
It would have seen him become one of the few players to represent both of the Manchester clubs, and probably the most controversial of those moves since Carlos Tevez left United for City.
Before it was apparent that City had dropped out of the race, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had put his side firmly in with a shout by saying “we’re here” during his press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Solskjaer, who is a former teammate of Ronaldo’s, continued: “He is a legend of this club, the greatest player of all time if you ask me. I was fortunate enough to play with him. I coached him when I got my job. He almost retired me because that Wolverhampton game when I got injured he kept switching sides.
“He is such a tremendous human being as well. Let’s see what happens with Cristiano. Everyone who has played with him has a soft spot for him.”
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, seemed less enthusiastic when posed the question in his presser ahead of the visit of Arsenal tomorrow.
He said: “Cristiano is a Juventus player and I can’t say anything else. All I can say in these three, four days left of the transfer window anything can happen.
“Right now I am more than delighted with the squad we have and we will stay the same.
“I say the same; Cristiano will decide where he wants to play, not Manchester City, not myself. There are many things that are far away.”
Could Ronaldo Make Return?
United have reportedly held talks with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, over the possibility of him returning to Old Trafford. The 36-year-old joined them as a teenager from Sporting Lisbon and shot to fame during his time at the club.
After six seasons, he moved to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £80 million.
Juventus confirmed that Ronaldo would have no place in the squad for their Serie A trip to Empoli.
In his comments prior to the game, boss Max Allegri said: “Yesterday [Thursday], Cristiano told me that he no longer has any intention to play for Juventus. For this reason he will not be called up for tomorrow’s game.
“Cristiano is to be thanked for what he has done, also as an example amongst the youngsters. But as I said, we must go on. Things change, it’s a law of life. Juventus remains, which is the most important thing. Cristiano gave his contribution, he made himself available, now he leaves and life goes on.”
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