Cristiano Ronaldo’s stance on returning to Man Utd after Saudi row | Football | Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has been catapulted into the limelight following his contentious protest in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese superstar, who celebrates his 41st birthday on Thursday, declined to feature for Al-Nassr in their 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh on Monday after becoming incensed by Karim Benzema’s transfer to championship contenders Al-Hilal.

Benzema, who was Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid team-mate, saw his Al-Ittihad deal terminated before securing a free move to Al-Hilal, who sit just one point ahead of Al-Nassr at the summit of the Saudi Pro League. Yet all three clubs fall under the ownership of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Ronaldo was left livid that the transfer had been approved, as he believes Al-Hilal’s championship aspirations have been unfairly strengthened by the acquisition of the French forward.

This development has triggered rumours about whether Ronaldo will complete the remaining 18 months of his £488,000-per-day deal with Al-Nassr. But could the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient make a sensational third return to Manchester United?

Not according to his former team-mate Wes Brown. The ex-United defender told BettingLounge: “He’s not happy but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can’t see how that could happen.

“A move to MLS? Maybe. Maybe he goes back to Portugal and plays there. I’m sure he will still have so many options. The main thing is that he still wants to play in the World Cup and we would have to keep playing and making sure he keeps himself fit to do that.

“It’s a shock to everyone to see Ronaldo on strike but I honestly think it will get resolved. We’ll have to wait and see where it goes from here.”

Neither Ronaldo nor any of his colleagues or coaching staff have issued public comments since Monday’s victory. Boss Jorge Jesus had his post-match press conference scrapped whilst the squad were instructed not to engage with journalists.

Al-Nassr are in action again on Friday, welcoming Al-Ittihad, though Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal will take on struggling Al-Akhdoud on home turf.

The table-toppers have offered Al-Nassr a glimmer of opportunity in recent weeks, drawing in their previous two matches. Should they fail to overcome Al-Akhdoud, Al-Nassr could move top, having last claimed the title in 2019, well before Ronaldo’s switch from United in 2022.