“His second spell didn’t end how everyone hoped” - Ex-Manchester United star backs Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford. Ronaldo spent two stints at the club, the most recent of which ended in 2022.

The 39-year-old - widely regarded as one of the best players in the game's history and one of the most prolfic scorers - arrived at Old Trafford for his second stint in the summer of 2021 from Juventus.

Following a decent first season on his return, Ronaldo became surplus to requirements under new boss Erik ten Hag and wasn't a regular starter. That frustrated the legend, who lashed out at the manager and the club hierarchy in a controversial interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, leading to his contract termination by mutual consent.

Considering the manner of Ronaldo's latest exit, Saha told TVSporten (via GOAL):

"Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day. That could be as a coach or even a manager.

"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.

"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."

Ronaldo is currently in his second full season with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, whom he joined on a free transfer in December 2022.

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What's next for former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo?

Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a good start to the new season with Al-Nassr. He had a hand in both goals in the 4-1 Saudi Super Cup semi-final win over Al-Taawoun - scoring one and assisting the other.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner opened the scoring in the final against Al-Hilal. But the defending champions scored four times without reply, meaning the former Manchester United striker remains without a competitive trophy since winning the 2020-21 Coppa Italia with Juventus.

Ronaldo and Co. next take on Al-Raed at home on Thursday (August 22) in their Saudi Pro League opener, having finished second in the league in two straight campaigns.