Why I wouldn’t take Cristiano Ronaldo back at Manchester United

The GOAT. People are always quick to confuse that with being the best of all time, but in terms of greatness, no player has come close to Cristiano Ronaldo in my eyes.

Ronaldo’s time at Old Trafford brings about a story that all budding footballers should give an ear to. Better yet, any young man or woman looking to achieve something. A teenager who came from nothing who became everything, the story of Cris is nothing short of inspirational. The man is one that I am proud to say, he’s played for Manchester United. But now if the chance arose, I wouldn’t take him back.

Juventus are a club in turmoil. Any time, especially in recent memory, the Old Lady fail to claim the Scudetto is a failure. But now, Juve now face the prospect of not achieving Champions League football. There is no way, Ronaldo – Mr. Champions League can spend a season away from the competition he holds so dear to his heart.

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There’s no doubt in my mind that if Juventus fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League Ronaldo will actively push for the league. Not only because they’ve failed to qualify, but his time in Turin hasn’t been all rosy. Yes, he’s scored goals, Ronaldo has adapted his game in a way in the last five years to become a number-driven goal machine. Finding the back of the net repeatedly is a given. However, make no mistake about it, when he was brought to the club in 2018 it was to win the holy grail. The Champions League has eluded the Bianconeri since 1996.

Up until this season, Juve have dominated the Serie A. Nine in a row is formidable in any league competition. However, all those league titles mean very little when you consistently crash out of the Champions League. Since Ronaldo’s arrival, he’s seen knockout stage losses at the hands of a few kids from Amsterdam, a Lyon side who finished 7th in Ligue 1 and Porto who aren’t exactly Europe’s finest.

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Ronaldo has always served up the goods as well but the Juve’s European curse is too strong for the Champions League god to break.

So where too next for Cristiano if Juventus don’t make the Champions League? There are rumours of PSG, returns to Sporting and even swan songs in America. However, if Ronaldo ever considers leaving, a United return will cross his mind.

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And rightly so. Old Trafford may be the only place where the fans will appreciate him for his greatness. He’d be worshipped.

But Manchester United have outgrown the need for Ronaldo…

Sure, it’s romantic, the idea of Ronaldo returning and taking the number seven shirt sounds good but in practice it could set United back a number of years.

What United have currently is one of the most exciting projects in Europe. A team on the rise with some exciting young talent all over the pitch. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the wheel, you have a manager who gets it. United are far from perfect but do not need a Ronaldo.

Edinson Cavani looks set to commit to another year, Mason Greenwood is showing promise, Marcus Rashford is statistically consistent – the player Ronaldo is now, completely collapses that. Ronaldo coming in also masks over the real holes United have. A real right-winger to provide balance for example. Or a defensive midfielder with a great passing range and a centre-back who is quick and capable of progressing through the lines with passes.

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Ronaldo at United was great, his return would be an even greater twist in the fairytale, but not every fairytale is destined for a happy ever after.

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