‘I played with Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd – it’s a matter of time before he goes back’

Despite his second spell at the club ending in acrimonious circumstances, the Portuguese legend is now being tipped to retun to Old Trafford once again

Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Manchester United once again, according to ex-United defender Mikael Silvestre.

The Portuguese icon has already enjoyed two stints with the Red Devils. Signing originally in August 2023, Ronaldo established himself as one of the most feared players on the planet as he scored over one hundred goals for the club and helped United win three Premier League titles and the Champions League amongst other trophies.

He then made a headline move to Real Madrid in 2009 where his performances in La Liga cemented his legacy as one of the best players of all time as he won four more Champions League titles. However fans and pundits alike always thought he would make a return to United at some point.

United fans then got their wish as their prodigal son returned to Old Trafford in August 2021. His second stint, although a showcase for some dramatic highs, was ultimately a let-down for player and club however.

Ronaldo departed United in November 2022 after giving an infamous interview with Piers Morgan where he lamented the state of United and his treatment there at the hands of United boss Erik ten Hag. The former Juventus forward then signed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he continues to play his football.

However, ex-United man Silvestre firmly believes the 39-year-old has more unfinished business with United – even claiming it’s only a “matter of time” before he comes back to Manchester.

The former French international did not seem to think Ronaldo’s ill-fated second spell with United would put a stop to a third return. He did state however that his return may not be as a player and it won’t be happening in the near future.

“I think it’s only a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo reunites with Manchester United fans in some capacity at the club, but it won’t be anytime soon,” Silvestre said to Norskebettingsider.

“He is a legend of the club and it will be amazing when we see him at Old Trafford again, but it’s too early to think about at the moment. Not yet.”

Perhaps Silvestre’s ardent belief that the relationship between Ronaldo and United isn’t as fractured as some fear stems from his unique take on Ronaldo’s second spell with United. Speaking in March 2022, the ex-Arsenal defender claimed the Al-Nassr striker was simply the victim of his own stature as he came in for hefty criticism from some quarters, and he also maintained any negative chatter around the move was “normal”.

Ronaldo’s reprise at United was often a major debate with those who believed it was a success and those on the other side of the argument. Despite United failing to win any silverware during his stay, and the transfer ending in a very public falling-out between Ronaldo and Ten Hag, Silvestre insisted that he was a positive re-signing for the club.

“It’s normal [that he gets criticism] because with the name he carries, the expectation must be high, so it’s normal that he’ll get some stick,” Silvestre told bettingexpert.com in 2022. “The statistics this season are in his favour, especially with the team’s current form.

“It’s been a positive signing, even with the run of games where he hasn’t been scoring, but it happens. He’s Ronaldo… he’s not God.”

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