“It was disappointing how it ended” - Ex-Manchester United star tips Cristiano Ronaldo to make Old Trafford return despite controversial exit
Former Manchester United player Wes Brown has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the Red Devils in the future. Ronaldo left Manchester United under controversial circumstances after an explosive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.
The Portuguese talisman first joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in the summer of 2003. Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, he quickly became one of the best players in the Premier League, winning his first Champions League (2008) and Ballon d'Or (2008) during his time at the club. He left the Red Devils for Real Madrid in 2009.
Cristiano Ronaldo was back again at Old Trafford in 2021, recording 24 goals and three assists in 39 games in all club competitions in his comeback season. However, his relationship with coach Erik ten Hag soured after a year, culminating in his departure.
Talking about the Ballon d'Or winner on BoyleSports, Wes Brown predicted an epic comeback for the Al-Nassr superstar.
“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," said the former Manchester United center-back.
"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.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in the final year of his contract with Al-Nassr. It will be interesting to see if he continues in the Middle East or makes a surprise return to European football.
"I was surprised, in a bad way" - When Cristiano Ronaldo slammed Manchester United in an interview with Piers Morgan
Cristiano Ronaldo slammed the Manchester United management and coach Erik ten Hag in an explosive conversation with Piers Morgan (via Piers Morgan Uncensored) released on November 18, 2022. Speaking to the British journalist, he said:
"When I arrived, I thought everything will be different, you know, the technology, the infrastructures, and everything. But I was surprised, in a bad way. Let's say in that way because I saw everything was the same," said Cristiano Ronaldo.
He was particularly critical of Erik ten Hag, opening up about his relationship with the Dutch manager and accusing him of not respecting him enough.
"I really understand in the beginning because I didn't do the pre-season. I don't start to play, but going more further than that, further than that. Other things happen that people they don't know. And I'm not hiding that the empathy with the coach is not good. I'm honest," he said.
He added:
"The coach didn’t have respect for me. So this is why the relationship, it’s in that way. He keep saying in the press that he come to me, he like me, blah, blah, blah, but that it’s only for the press. 100 percent."
“If you don’t have respect for me, I'm never going to have respect for you," he concluded.
Soon after the interview, Manchester United terminated his contract via mutual agreement. In two separate stints for the Red Devils, Cristiano Ronaldo recorded 145 goals and 64 assists in 346 games for the club.