Cristiano Ronaldo tipped for Man Utd return – ‘It’s only a matter of time'

Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for another sensational return to Manchester United, according to former United defender Mikael Silvestre.

The legendary Portuguese forward has had two spells at Old Trafford, first signing in August 2003 where he quickly became one of the world's most formidable players. With over a hundred goals to his name, Ronaldo was instrumental in securing three Premier League titles and the Champions League for United.

His transfer to Real Madrid in 2009 only furthered his reputation as he dominated La Liga and added four more Champions League trophies to his collection. Despite his success abroad, speculation about a return to United persisted among fans and commentators.

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In August 2021, the Red Devils welcomed back their prodigal son. But despite some memorable moments, his second tenure didn't live up to expectations for either party.

Following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan where Ronaldo expressed dissatisfaction with the club and manager Erik ten Hag, he left United in November 2022 to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he remains active, reports the Mirror.

Yet, according to Silvestre, Ronaldo's story with United isn't over. The ex-United star is convinced that the 39-year-old will don the red jersey once more, suggesting it's just a "matter of time" before he returns to Manchester.

The ex-France star appears optimistic about a potential future reunion, though not necessarily on the pitch and certainly not in the immediate future.

"I think it's only a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo reunites with Manchester United fans in some capacity at the club, but it won't be anytime soon," Silvestre said to Norskebettingsider.

"He is a legend of the club and it will be amazing when we see him at Old Trafford again, but it's too early to think about at the moment. Not yet."

It seems that Silvestre has a hopeful stance regarding Ronaldo's bond with United, perhaps due to his own perspective on Ronaldo's latest tenure at the club. Back in March 2022, the former Arsenal centre-back posited that the now Al-Nassr frontman was burdened by the weight of expectation, bearing the brunt of critiques unfairly due to his high profile, and any surrounding negative discourse was par for the course.

While Ronaldo's second act at United has been a contentious topic among fans and analysts alike, with some viewing it as a success despite the lack of trophies and a conspicuous rift with Ten Hag, Silvestre maintains that Ronaldo's comeback was a success for the Red Devils.

Speaking to bettingexpert.com in 2022, Silvestre said: "It's normal [that he gets criticism] because with the name he carries, the expectation must be high, so it's normal that he'll get some stick.

"The statistics this season are in his favour, especially with the team's current form. It's been a positive signing, even with the run of games where he hasn't been scoring, but it happens. He's Ronaldo... he's not God."