Cristiano SHOULD Return to United...but he Won't

And an interesting rumor is now making the rounds. Could Cristiano Ronaldo, the man who can't dribble past a rock but is a goalscoring sensation, possibly return back to Man United, the place where he made his name?


It would be one of the craziest stories if it ever happened, plainly because of where Cristiano has gone to and also the state in which Man United find themselves in. The gap is colossal in terms of quality and status in terms of how good they are. United are just not the team that they were when Cristiano was about, but maybe that could be what attracts the Portuguese back, as this would be a challenge and the ability to bring back the smiles of fans who are in desperate need of it and are far more appreciative than the Madrid ones.






There is an argument to be made for him to return, before I have to hit United fans with some harsh reality. Now, when you think of getting older, after having won what you can at club level, you need to find other things to motivate you. Okay, winning more and creating history is a good motivator, but a lot can be said about feeling wanted and performing heroic feats for fans that adore you. It's no big revelation that Cristiano is one of the most arrogant football players to ever walk on a pitch. He loves himself, and he loves the attention that he receives. To be able to head back to the club that made him a superstar, to a place where he is seen as a legend, and to actually help them out of their situation is something that I know would excite Cristiano.

The culture and vibe at Manchester United is very different to the one that you find at Madrid. I wouldn't say that the fans of both teams have the same kind of passion as the ones you would get at smaller clubs, based on the amazing success they have had which breeds entitlement. But, I think there is a less love and passion and impatience among those in the Bernabeu than you would find at Old Trafford. They are much less forgiving and won't hesitate to boo their own players, even though said player was instrumental in delivering them the Champions League in the previous season. At United, Cristiano would be treated and worshiped far more than he ever will at Madrid, who feel anyone is replaceable.

Now, the reality...

Cristiano and Ferguson have a close relationship. Ferguson made Cristiano into the player he is now. There is no question, and I don't want to hear otherwise, that Cristiano was at his very best when playing under Ferguson. He was skillful, could actually beat players and score goals from every possible area of the pitch. He was an all-round killing machine. So to now go back and find Van Gaal there, who is very strict in how he plays and does not like superstars, as well as finding a team that isn't functioning in the way it did under Ferguson, that's where it becomes less appealing. And as Andy Cole said on a panel, I don't know what sane man would trade the sunshine of Madrid to the gloom and rain of Manchester.


In a nutshell, Cristiano may consider it, but there is a 100% chance that he won't go back to Manchester United. Sporting Lisbon is a far more likely destination for him.


HH