When Juventus signed Ronaldo from Real Madrid, they felt they were in the driving seat in a bid to win the Champions League. Many football bettors happily used their casino bonus having a wager that this would happen. However, they were to end up being as disappointed as Juventus.
Three years later, and still no Champions League trophy, the Portuguese captain left the Italian giants in a sensational return to Manchester United. The Italian press and even some of his fans have been critical of the legend’s performances, although he managed to score 77 in 99 games for the Turin side.
The back pages had been full of all sorts of rumours, with some even suggesting a move to Manchester United’s bitter cross city rivals, Manchester City Once that became known, it is believed to have been the final straw for the United hierarchy, eager to keep him out of City’s clutches and entice the superstar back, talks developed at a rapid pace. Rumours of a return to Real Madrid, where he had many successful years proved to be unfounded and the lure of PSG with massive wages on offer also led to nothing.
Those who felt he would always return home have been proved right, but it’s a very different Manchester United side these days that he is coming back to. Nowadays, the Manchester giants are coached by Ronaldo’s former teammate, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who seemed to have a wonderful relationship playing alongside Ronaldo during the Portuguese time at Old Trafford. Solskjaer, has limited managerial experience and as of yet, no trophies. This signing may yet be seen as absolute genius.
The Fans Love Him
The Old Trafford faithful adore Ronaldo and have welcomed the former winger with open arms. They still sang songs about the player, even though he left the club in the summer of 2009. He won an incredible amount of silverware during his five years at Manchester United, including the Ballon D’or and the Champions League. He managed to bring the club to the next level, and the fans will never forget what he did. He is arguably one of the greatest footballers ever to wear the Manchester United shirt, which is a huge statement considering the likes of George Best, Ryan Giggs, and Eric Cantona all played for the side.
However, it is worrying to think about what would happen if it didn’t work out? Is bringing back a legend a risky idea, and if so, what would the fans think of him if the transfer became a disaster? If Ronaldo didn’t return as a player to Manchester United, every single fan that watched him play for the side will have long-lasting fond memories of the man, so is it really worth jeopardizing? Or, because he has done so much for the club in the past, perhaps his reputation around the English club won’t be affected.
Ronaldo is a God at Manchester United, not just with the fans of the club, but with football fans all around the UK. He would bring a lot of attention to the club, and if he was to play a blinder once again for the Manchester side and bring home trophies like the Champions League and the Premier League like he has done so in the past, he might go down as the club’s greatest ever player.
Money Might be an Issue
During the pandemic, the average spent on signing new players has dropped significantly. With empty stadiums and a lack of pre-season, teams throughout the world have struggled financially. The transfer fee was not as expensive as many assumed, and many have felt the worldwide attention the club has received has been worth it, along with huge numbers of shirts being sold, making millions for the club.
Ronaldo’s wage package at Juve was huge, as reports suggest the player currently earns approximately 31 million euros. None of his teammates make anything even close to that, in fact, nobody in the side makes more than 10 million euros. Not to mention, Juve paid around 100 million euros to Real Madrid, the former captain’s services.
Juventus needed to sell Ronaldo to trim their wage bill, besides other reasons. They did not want to risk losing him on a free transfer next season, as his contract was running out. It has been a disappointing time for Ronaldo at Juve, both club and player expected to do much better in the Champions League.
However, most managers and club owners would ask themselves whether a 36 year old is worth all the hassle and money? For the majority of footballers, even legends who have ever played the beautiful game, you’d probably say no, but as we all know, Ronaldo is just one of the biggest names around!
Influence the current Manchester United team
Manchester United’s current side has lots of young, attacking-minded players, who will work with and learn a lot from Ronaldo. Both the fans and the players at Old Trafford idolize the legend, and he could help teach youngsters like Mason Greenwood and Marcus Racshford how to bring their game to the next level. Playing alongside Ronaldo is a dream come true for any footballer at the moment, so you can be sure United’s current side will relish the thought of playing with him.
Since Bruno Fernandes signed from United during the January transfer last season, he has had an incredible impact. Just like Ronaldo, the Portuguese footballer came from Sporting Lisbon to join Manchester United. He has provided plenty of goals and assists since arriving, and the fans are absolutely crazy about him.
Seeing him hooking up with his Portuguese teammate at Manchester United has been a dream come true for United’s fateful fans. If Lionel Messi had decided to go to Manchester City instead of PSG, every football fan on the planet would have been tuning in to watch arguably the two greatest players of all time compete in the Premier League.
Summary
It must be said Manchester United were not favorites to sign Ronaldo, so anyone brave enough to place a bet on this happening at an online casino or traditional bookmakers would have been jumping for joy when it was announced. Possibly even more so than the fans!
Only time will tell how the move turns out for both Ronaldo and Solskjaer. But one thing is for sure, the season definitely just got more interesting for Manchester United.
