RONALDO BACK TO MU?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he left Manchester United in a dramatic exit in late 2022.

His contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr is set to expire at the end of the current season, and with reports suggesting he has agreed to extend his stay in the Middle East, his potential next move remains a topic of heated debate. However, one of the most shocking potential moves is a return to the Premier League—but not with his former club, Manchester United. Instead, a move to their bitter rivals, Manchester City, could be on the cards, with some pundits believing the 40-year-old forward would be open to such a high-profile switch.

Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is up in just a few months, and while reports claim that he’s agreed to a contract extension, his situation remains fluid. The Portugal international, whose stellar career has seen him play for some of the biggest clubs in the world—Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr—could soon find himself a free agent once again. His time at Al-Nassr has garnered significant attention, with Ronaldo still delivering on the pitch despite his advancing years. The forward continues to produce impressive performances, but the question now is where he will play next. Given his age, many believe this will be his final move before he calls time on his illustrious career.

The most surprising twist of all would be Ronaldo’s return to the Premier League, but this time with Manchester City. The notion of Ronaldo wearing the sky-blue colors of City has been met with disbelief by many, especially given his legendary status at United, where he spent two separate stints. However, rumors have been circulating that Ronaldo is keen to make one final Premier League move, and City could be the destination.

This speculation gained traction after former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham suggested that Ronaldo would “jump” at the chance to join City. Speaking to Casino Apps, Sheringham acknowledged the shock value of such a move, but also highlighted that Ronaldo’s ability to score goals remains unquestionable, which could be exactly what City needs. Sheringham noted, “Man United fans wouldn't be happy, but if the figures add up, Ronaldo would probably jump at the chance.”

The comparison between Ronaldo and Manchester City’s current striker Erling Haaland is particularly noteworthy. Despite Haaland’s incredible form since joining City, there have been moments when the team has appeared to lack a focal point in attack, particularly during the Manchester derby, where City struggled without their Norwegian goal machine. Sheringham pointed out that Ronaldo, despite being 40 years old, is still more than capable of finishing chances and scoring goals at the highest level, an attribute that would make him a valuable asset to City’s attack.

Ronaldo’s potential arrival at the Etihad could solve some of City’s offensive issues, particularly when it comes to having a proven goal scorer in the box. While Haaland has had an incredible season, there have been instances where City’s attack appeared less fluid without a more traditional striker to complement the team’s intricate style of play. Ronaldo, with his remarkable instinct for goal-scoring and his leadership qualities, could provide the perfect complement to City’s attacking unit.

The idea of Ronaldo playing for City is also intriguing when considering the history between him and the club. Ronaldo famously snubbed City in 2021 to rejoin Manchester United, a move that caused a major stir. While his second stint at Old Trafford didn’t go as planned, it would be interesting to see if Ronaldo would be willing to move across town and play for the reigning Premier League champions. A move to City would certainly be controversial, but it would allow Ronaldo to continue playing at the highest level in a competitive team with ambitions of winning more major titles.

Of course, United fans would not take kindly to the idea of Ronaldo playing for their archrivals. The Portuguese forward is still revered by many United supporters for his first spell at the club, where he helped lead them to numerous trophies, including the 2008 UEFA Champions League. However, with his time at United ending on a sour note and with his future uncertain, it appears that Ronaldo may be open to a new challenge in the Premier League.

Ronaldo’s return to England, and particularly to Manchester City, would undoubtedly be a spectacle. While it remains to be seen whether the move materializes, the mere possibility is enough to fuel the debate about one of football’s greatest ever players finding a new home in the Premier League, with his destination possibly being one of the most unexpected.