With reports breaking this morning that Cristiano Ronaldo is considering leaving Real Madrid, you couldn’t help but start to dream that a return to Old Trafford could be on the cards.
Whilst Gareth Bale has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United past few weeks; it is doubtful many supporters would choose signing the Welshman over the opportunity to see Cristiano return to the Theatre of Dreams. Will Jose be keen to bring his old Madrid talisman – surely he will be a fool not to?
The commercial team will certainly be licking their lips at the possibility of Ronaldo donning the Red shirt once again. It has been reported that he has endorsed over a $1billion worth of sponsorship in the past 12 months – such is his marketability – and the likes of Ed Woodward will be licking his lips at the potential shirt sales and worldwide endorsements he will attract. Ronaldo would arguably pay for himself within weeks of joining – therefore only serving to justify the high wages he will garner.
From a footballing perspective, Cristiano left Old Trafford a superstar and would return as arguably the best footballer in the world; however, the big question is to whether he will be tempted to return to the scene to a place where he was revered? They say should never return to a club where you made your name, but I think in Ronaldo’s case I think we are talking about a footballer who wouldn’t have such struggles to reintroduce himself into his old surroundings and a manager that ultimately knows how to get the best out of him – given their success together at the Bernabeu. His arrival would arguably have a far greater impact than that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and ultimately bring far greater excitement to the United faithful.
Whilst for the large part there will be a huge amount of positivity around Ronaldo’s arrival, it would be wrong to not question the impact it will have on the likes of Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial – in terms of their own progress at Old Trafford. There is no question that Cristiano will be used, as a striker or winger and that will ultimately block the progress of the young duo. From a personal perspective I don’t really buy into that fact and believe that it will enhance their progress training with the man and playing alongside him. Time is on their side and their chances of becoming a 1st team regular will arrive in due course.
It will be interesting to see the next few weeks and where Ronaldo’s future actually does lie. Personally it feels like a deal that Manchester United simply cannot pass up.