Cristiano Ronaldo would be loved at Manchester United’ – Former team-mate still sees route back to Old Trafford for CR7 after being proved ‘right’ in explosive clash with Erik ten Hag

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who opened his Golden Ball collection while also landing Premier League and Champions League titles during a productive first spell in England, completed a stunning return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  His contract was torn up inside 18 months, with Ronaldo being released as a free agent after butting heads with Dutch coach Ten Hag and conducting an explosive interview in which he took aim at prominent figures from United’s past and present.

  WHAT SAHA SAID

  Professional bridges appeared to have been burned at that point, but former team-mate Saha can still see CR7 retracing steps to Manchester. The Frenchman – speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds – has said: “Cristiano Ronaldo would be loved back at Manchester United, he is loved and respected but I also think that he has been misunderstood. His second spell came during a period in which the transition was too big and the manager had a dilemma in trying to show that he is strong by leaving him out.

  “The manager wanted to show his character, to show that he’s a strong guy and I think that was where the clash started. If you look at his stats then you can’t argue with his goals during his first season back at the club. Cristiano Ronaldo at the time had strong words in regards to the management and the board, but after two years you can see that he was right.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ten Hag did oversee Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins during his time in charge of United, but was relieved of his managerial duties in October 2024. Ruben Amorim has now inherited the reins, with there talk of Ronaldo potentially moving into coaching – and heading back to Old Trafford – once hanging up his boots.