Sport
Tom Brady proves that Ronaldo could return to Manchester United
In football, they say you should never go back but, despite this, speculation over a potential Cristiano Ronaldo return to Manchester United has spiked a number of times since he left Old Trafford over a decade ago. Once again, the 36-year-old is being linked with the club where he turned himself into a legend.
Reports from Italy claim Juventus would be willing to let Ronaldo leave this summer for a fee of €29 million and, while the Turin club’s hierarchy have since attempted to dispel speculation, there is a growing sense that both the Bianconeri and the Portuguese forward would benefit from a parting of ways.
A return to Real Madrid has been mooted but, with the Spanish giants saddled with close to €1 billion of debt, there are doubts over their ability to pay Ronaldo’s wages. Paris Saint-Germain could pay those wages but if the Qatari-owned club are in the market for a superstar this summer, it’ll likely be for Ronaldo’s long-time rival, Lionel Messi.
This could leave Manchester United as the 36-year-old’s only option if he is on intent on leaving Juventus at the end of the season. A precedent has already been set for such a transfer by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ ambitious move for Tom Brady last year, with the Glazers (who own the Floridian NFL team) stumping up to sign a true superstar of the sport in his veteran years.
For the Buccaneers, the gamble paid off as Brady led the franchise to their first Super Bowl in 19 years. It’s possible that this succeed could persuade the Glazers to bankroll a move for Ronaldo in the hope that he can be a Brady-esque figurehead for Manchester United. The sporting and commercial benefit could be significant.
Ronaldo enjoyed some of the best years of his career in the Premier League, winning all there was to win at Old Trafford and it would be understandable if he was open to the idea of retracing his steps, particularly if routes to France and Spain are blocked off this summer. But do United really need him?
After all, Manchester United find themselves at a critical juncture in their development under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Significant progress has been noted under the Norwegian, with the Old Trafford outfit on course to finish second in the Premier League this season. The upcoming summer transfer window could be the most important in United’s recent history as they attempt to bridge the gap on Manchester City.
United must recruit wisely. Most agree Solskjaer could use a top-level central defender to help settle down Harry Maguire. The signing of a natural right winger looks a priority after the failure to capture Jadon Sancho last year while doubt over Edinson Cavani’s happiness in England could force United into the market for a new centre forward.
This, of course, could lead Solskjaer to Ronaldo, still one of the most lethal goalscorers in the game. But if United need a new number nine, would they be better served directing the resources it would take to sign Ronaldo towards a target like Erling Haaland, a player who could lead their attack for a decade, instead?
Ronaldo’s availability could present Manchester United with the ultimate heart versus head dilemma. While there is some merit to the notion of the Portuguese emulating Brady, a move for Ronaldo would see the club deviate from its recent strategy of targeting young, hungry players who can play in the first team for years to come.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo has scored 23 times in 23 Serie A appearances this season, proving he can still cut it at the elite level, and the sight of him in red again might prove irresistible to the decision-makers, and the fans, at Manchester United. Age isn’t the only number that matters. Brady proves that.
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