Sporting Lisbon’s director of football, Hugo Viana, says Cristiano Ronaldo may return to his boys’ club before the end of his career, but says a move this summer is unlikely.
The Portugal star made a comeback at Old Trafford last season after joining Juventus, but United endured a miserable season under first Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick, with Ronaldo’s impressive 24 goals in 38 appearances not was enough to secure UEFA Champions League football for the team. .
Ronaldo’s status in the team was sometimes questioned by experts and supporters during the 2021/22 campaign, as a year-long debate raged over whether his goal contributions were enough to address a lack of pressure and the hampered progress that his presence in the team means for other forwards like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo.
In a meeting with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly last week, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes allegedly addressed the issue of the former Real Madrid striker’s future, with rumors of a possible switch to Stamford Bridge following in the aftermath. bustled.
If Ronaldo makes a move, a return to his homeland could be one possibility. But Viana, who previously played for Newcastle United, says United need to focus on building a system in which Ronaldo can thrive under new manager Erik ten Hag.
“It’s time for Man United to stabilize and create a good spirit within the club,” Viana told Sky Sports News. ‘From what I can see from the outside, it’s not time [for Ronaldo to leave]. There is always time to rebuild everything. In Cristiano there is a player who definitely scores 20, 25 per season. it’s really important to have those kind of goals in the team.
Viana was hesitant about the possibility that Sporting would make a move this summer, but did suggest that a romantic homecoming could take place one day.
“Not now, I do not think it will be possible,” Viana said when asked if Sporting could approach Ronaldo over a possible return this summer. “But we never know. He can decide where he can go. But you never know the future. I do not want to talk much about it, because when we talk about Cristiano, it is very different. I think he has another year on his contract, so whatever he decides, let’s see. ‘
Ronaldo’s record of 815 goals in 1,124 matches for club and country is one of the most impressive in the history of professional football.
Erik ten Hag demands ‘all or nothing’ Manchester United transfer
Barcelona request that Man Utd star be included in the sensational exchange deal for Frenkie de Jong
For more stories like this, check out our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter on Instagram.
