Cristiano Ronaldo Should End Career in MLS and Not Manchester United

Whenever the words "Cristiano Ronaldo" and "Manchester United" are mentioned together, the tectonic plates of the world shift ever so slightly under the weight of expectation.

In recent times we have seen further claims United will move for their former talisman in the summer with a huge £80 million offer in place for the Ballon d'Or holder's services, per David Wright of the Express.

However, Ronaldo's famed super-agent, Jorge Mendes, has now commented about his client's future, saying the player could end his career in the United States.

ESPNFC quoted Mendes speaking to Telefoot about CR7's MLS option, as well as dismissing any talk of the player landing at Paris Saint-Germain:

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He will finish his career at Real Madrid, and after that, perhaps he will go to the United States. Only God knows what will happen. There is no way he will sign for Paris Saint-Germain, that's impossible—including for Cristiano, someone for whom anything is possible.

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It is interesting what Mendes does not say in his comments—and that is to not claim a dismissal of a move to United anytime soon.

Mendes is currently on very good terms with the Red Devils after negotiating the moves of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria to Manchester.

But of course, Ronaldo is Mendes' biggest client and a move to United would surely have to break the world record paid by Real Madrid for Gareth Bale, despite Ronaldo about to cross the threshold of 30 years old in just two months.

However, the MLS does seem like Ronaldo's most likely option when logic is applied to his career path.

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Madrid are currently flying after their La Decima Champions League success and if CR7's motivation is trophies then he is in the right place.

But if Ronaldo is looking for a more holistic option—is Manchester really the most likely option?

Mendes' recent comments back up reports from a year ago, per the Metro, where it was claimed by a source of the Sun that David Beckham wants Ronaldo to join his Miami franchise in 2017.

The MLS source allegedly told the newspaper that "Ronaldo loves America" and has ambitions to live in the States:

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Becks understands the need for a big, big name in the team when it gets going. And none come bigger than Ronaldo—the world’s greatest player. Ronaldo loves America and all that it offers.

It’s not a secret he has thought about finishing his career here, about living here—so a deal like this could be perfect for him. It is a long way off yet—we’re talking 2017—but it clearly demonstrates the ambition of the Beckham franchise.

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Warren Little/Getty Images

Despite the vague nature of the Sun's source, the claim does make perfect sense. We have just seen Steven Gerrard announce he will spend the twilight of his career in the MLS, and the bright weather and beaches of Miami sound perfect for Ronaldo.

However, it has recently come to light Ronaldo still has a multi-million pound property in Cheshire—close to Manchester United's training ground, per Jamie Anderson of the Express.

This could mean Ronaldo would favour a move back to England and his spiritual home of Old Trafford.

He left England some six years ago so it is strange he should still keep a property in the area for such a long time. 

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

And it was just recently that former United assistant coach Mike Phelan professed to the IB Times Ron could be tempted by a move back to the Reds if an offer was on the table, per Anthony Hay of the Mail Online:

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Ronaldo loved his time at Manchester United and, if Manchester United were interested in him again, then he would listen to that because part of his career has come through Man United.

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However, when weighing up the options—the MLS is fast becoming the final payday for the planet's biggest stars, and Ronaldo would further his brand stateside if he made the jump.

Ronaldo has cultivated himself into the biggest name in world football with his brilliance and charisma, and he certainly could follow Beckham's footsteps to one of America's major cities. 

CR7 is not quite ready to be laid out to pasture just yet but surely his pension options look much more attractive in the USA.