Manchester United are reportedly considering a bid to beat Juventus to the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid
According to a report by The Sun, Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way back to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, with the Premier League heavyweights weighing up a bid. Juventus have been heavily linked with the Real Madrid superstar, whose stint at the Bernabeu looks set to come to an end.
Ronaldo has only gone from strength to strength during his storied career. The player has solidified his status one of the best, not just of his generation but in the history of the game since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in the summer of 2009.
450 goals, 131 assists, 15 titles and four Ballon d’Or awards. And, these are just over the course of his Real Madrid career. So, it goes without saying that Ronaldo is one of the most legendary players to have played the game, although his stint at the Bernabeu seems to be coming to an end after nine years.
In fact, Ronaldo’s future has been uncertain ever since his explosive comments in the aftermath of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League triumph in May. Widespread reports have recently linked the 33-year-old with a €100 million move to Juventus, but Manchester United also seem to be keeping tabs on his situation.
Ronaldo previously spent six illustrious years at Manchester United wherein he won nine titles while also winning one Ballon d’Or award. But, a return to Old Trafford could end up compounding a major problem that Jose Mourinho finds himself in at the present moment.
The Manchester United attack is eerily left-heavy, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez all primarily being options for the flank. Alternatively, Ronaldo could slot in centrally, which could see Jesse Lingard either being sacrificed or played in a wider role instead if a 4-2-3-1 formation is deployed.
Nevertheless, a player of Ronaldo’s stature will be a fantastic signing for Manchester United, although Juventus seem to better placed in the race to sign him. The Bianconeri are also stacked with options in attack, with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa, Federico Bernardeschi, Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain at Massimiliano Allegri’s disposal.
But, Mandzukic and Higuain are being heavily linked with moves away from the Allianz Stadium, which could open up places for Ronaldo to slot into. Reports have suggested that Juventus are also prepared to pay Real Madrid’s €100 million asking price, which Manchester United are unlikely to have any problem shelling out either.
The reports though, have suggested that Juventus will look to negotiate his wages, with his current salary standing out €30 million, although Manchester United are ready to pay those sums as well. The fact that they also share a fantastic relationship with Jorge Mendes, who represents Ronaldo, also keeps them in good stead.
It remains to be seen, however, if Manchester United are able to usurp Juventus in the race to sign Ronaldo this summer. As of now, the Bianconeri seem to be leading in his pursuit, but things could change anytime, considering the financials his history at United.
