Ronaldo to United: Is it a good deal for the Red Devils?
- Sean Fisher
- 18 August 2021
Short-term gain for long-term pain? Or an unmissable opportunity? We take a look at whether Manchester United should be entering the race for CR7.
He's set records which will never be beaten, won countless trophies and dominated an entire decade of the sport alongside GOAT rival Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo initially joined Manchester United in 2003 following a £12million transfer from Sporting Lisbon. Mentored by Sir Alex Ferguson, the Portuguese forward quickly became not only one of the best in the league, but in the world.
After winning the Ballon D'or and Champions League in Manchester, Ronaldo pushed for a move to Real Madrid, where he further cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
Now at Juventus, Ronaldo has struggled to maintain his usual levels of silverware, and looks set to move on, with both of his former clubs among those reported to be in the running for his signature.
With Ronaldo potentially eyeing up one last dance at Old Trafford, Planet Sport steps in to decide whether CR7's return would be beneficial to United.
For
Seeing him don the famous No. 7 would put plenty of smiles on faces around the Theatre of Dreams - although he'll have to wrestle Jadon Sancho for that one first.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperate for silverware at United's helm, reuniting Ronaldo with former Real team-mate Raphael Varane would bring enough experience to fire United to the title.
Not only is Ronaldo one of the world's best players - even at 36 - he's also one of the biggest stars and celebrities of the game. And while fans may not care too much about the commercial aspects of the sport, United's hierarchy will be licking their lips at the prospect of a move.
Against
Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed Manchester United manager back in 2019, the word 'rebuild' has been thrown around regarding his project at the club.
There's no denying that since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have lost their way - something Ole is aiming to rectify.
With a squad made up of players signed by David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, there was no real identity, and while it may have dented the pockets of Manchester United, Solskjaer's signings have helped change that.
Despite criticism over the fee, Harry Maguire's £80million arrival has provided a reliable core at the heart of their defence, while the capture of Bruno Fernandes has also been a resounding success.
At long last, United are a team united, something the addition of the famously self-centred Ronaldo threatens to disrupt.
Seemingly past the days of transfer window panic, chasing Ronaldo's signature may also veer United off their planned course.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland, dating back to when he expressed a desire to leave Red Bull Salzburg.
Many speculated that he would snub United due to his father's allegiance to rivals Leeds United and Manchester City - not to mention his less-than-friendly relationship with former Red Devils captain Roy Keane.
But one factor in United's favour is Solskjaer's rapport with his fellow Norwegian. Haaland junior worked under him during his days at Molde and has mentioned that his former boss had a huge impact on his life, both as a player and a person.
With Haaland's £75million release clause set to become active next summer, Europe's powerhouses are preparing to battle it out for his signature. Should United swoop for Ronaldo this summer, it could well jeopardise their move for Haaland - not to mention their wage structure.
It goes without saying that the 21-year-old is by far the better long-term option for the club when compared to the 36-year-old Portuguese forward. As hard as it may be, United turning a blind eye to Ronaldo's availability could be their best course of action this summer.
