Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Cristiano Ronaldo Return Rumours
For so many years, Manchester United fans condemned the actions of teams like Chelsea and Manchester City, who bought their way to success, but the shoe is now well and truly on the other foot.
The summer transfer window acquisitions of some high-profile, big-money stars have seen the Red Devils descend into the "ruining football" territory, but no amount of hypocrisy or criticism would stop United fans from rejoicing if they managed to lure a certain Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford.
Recent rumours have suggested that the Portuguese forward, who enjoyed six fruitful years as a United player, is on the way back to Manchester, with sources even noting that the move could happen as soon as January—per Metro.
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Add that to Ronaldo saying that he's keen to "one day" switch back to the club that made him a superstar—according to the Daily Mail (via Sky Sports)—and you've got yourself a transfer rumour of the highest order.
However, before any of you United fans go out and get "Ronaldo 7" printed on the back of your shirts again, it's time to come back down to reality.
As much as anyone would love to see Ronaldo tormenting defenders in the Premier League once again, it's unlikely to happen anytime soon, with a United source revealing that the move could prove impossible—per Ian Ladyman of MailOnline.
"Ronaldo will always be loved here," the source said. "But if you look at the numbers and his age than you have to ask if it really could be made to work. We are not at all sure it can.”
Ladyman writes that the 29-year-old would set United back £60 million—and for someone approaching the winter of his career, that may not be worth it.
How many years does Ronaldo have left in him at the highest level? Seven (fittingly)? The difference between an electric striker playing into his mid-30s and a defensive player—say, Paul Scholes—is enormous, so who knows?
While United's worry of Ronaldo not repaying the heavy transfer fee is understandable, it may not be entirely valid.
The Real Madrid star is only a few months from 30, and somehow, he appears to be getting better with every performance—something former United defender Gary Neville reflected upon:
With that in mind, it's hardly surprising that some United fans appear to have lost their sanity at the prospect of Ronaldo coming home, but the man himself brought them back down to earth by saying that he's satisfied with life in the Spanish capital.
In the wake of some fans flying a plane over one of Real's matches with the message "Come Home Ronaldo" attached to it, the 29-year-old has essentially said thanks, but no thanks—per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Simon Rice of The Independent).
"How could I not see that plane? It flew past 10 times," Ronaldo said. "I always said that I have a family to Manchester but I'm good in Madrid. I'm glad of the affection that United fans have for me, it means that I have left good memories."
Good memories they are indeed. Ones that United fans, in their state of dismay, are wishing they could resurrect.
Only time will tell as to whether we'll see Ronaldo running down the wing with "Viva Ronaldo" ringing out around Old Trafford, but for now, fans' hopes are better off staying grounded.
It could well be a possibility in a few years' time, but if I was a United supporter nervously waiting for the transfer window to open in January, I'd be praying for some defensive cover rather than the return of the King.
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