“It was disappointing how it ended” - Ex-Manchester United star tips Cristiano Ronaldo to make Old Trafford return despite controversial exit
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy at Manchester United will undoubtedly be etched in the club’s history, despite his second stint, which ended in a fallout with Erik ten Hag and his subsequent departure. However, his former teammate Wes Brown has suggested that the Portuguese icon could make a sensational return to Manchester if the opportunity arises.
Ronaldo signed for the Red Devils in 2003. During his six seasons at the club, he won the first of his five Ballon d’Ors and grew into one of the world’s best players. A high-profile move to Real Madrid solidified his status as one of the greatest ever to play the game, while his transfer to Juventus in 2018 saw him record impressive numbers as well.
In 2021, Ronaldo made a fairytale return to Manchester United. While he scored 18 Premier League goals in his first year, his dispute with manager Erik ten Hag led to an unceremonious departure, as he joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in 2023.
Wes Brown, who spent 15 years at Manchester United and won five Premier League titles, believes that the 39-year-old could potentially return to the club, whether as a player or in another capacity at the club.
“When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United in some capacity you can never say never. 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.
"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, " Brown said (via GOAL).
Although Brown has backed Ronaldo to move to Manchester United in some capacity in the future, it is highly likely that he will finish his career in Saudi Arabia, where he has already scored over 60 goals in two years. In fact, the Portuguese forward has stated that he is considering ending his playing career at Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo criticizes Erik ten Hag’s comments on Manchester United’s potential
Ronaldo had disagreements with Erik ten Hag when the Dutchman arrived at the club in 2022, eventually leading to his departure as their relationship reached a boiling point.
Since then, Manchester United have won two trophies but have struggled to compete with the top three teams in the league - Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Ronaldo recently criticized the head coach, stating that a club of Manchester United’s stature should not settle for failing to compete with the top teams.
“The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League. As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.
“Mentally [you can] say maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try, you have to try. What I wish for Manchester [United], it’s what I wish for me - [to be] the best team they can. I love that club... I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past,” Ronaldo said on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast (via BBC).