Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to seal SHOCK Man Utd return

Cameron Smith

20 Aug 2024 21:40 BST
3 min read

Louis Saha has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Manchester United as a manager at some point in the future.

Article continues under the video

Ronaldo re-joined the club for a second spell in 2021, but he left the Red Devils following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The Portuguese football legend joined Saudi Pro League Al-Nassr following the tournament and he has notched 60 goals in 66 appearances for the club.

Although he has shown no indication of nearing retirement, Ronaldo is now 39 years old and a career after football may be on the forefront of his mind in the not too distant future.

Despite the unceremonious ending to his second spell at Old Trafford, Ronaldo has been tipped to return to the club for a third stint by former Man Utd forward Saha.

What has been said?

“Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day, that could be as a coach or even a manager,” Saha told TVSporten (via CaughtOffside).

“His second spell didn’t end how everyone had hoped and you can see why that frustrated him.

“He didn’t see the same formula and didn’t see the passion from young players that he had been used to seeing,” Saha continued.

“Now he will know that he needs to find a new way to communicate when he becomes a coach, which maybe isn’t as harsh or direct as it was when he was at the club.

© IMAGO - Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal

“He will work out how to be successful and use all his knowledge to do that. We've seen Roy Keane go into management and have success.

“Cristiano will understand what he needs to do as a manager and I see no reason why he wouldn’t be a success.”

Erik ten Hag is currently Man Utd’s manager, after signing a contract extension following the club’s FA Cup triumph in May, while FootballTransfers understands Ruud van Nistlerooy is in line to replace him by 2026.