Should Cristiano Ronaldo retire at Manchester United?

Manchester United legend, undoubtedly, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy at Real Madrid as he comes to the end of his sixth season at the club. Should he return to Manchester United and retire at the club where he made his name?

Ronaldo will undoubtedly go down as arguably the best player of this generation of footballing talents and as a legend of the game. He’s won almost infinite awards, most notably the Ballon d’Or three times, his first coming with United, and set numerous records. After calling it quits, Ronaldo will have guaranteed himself a place in the history books.

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The Portuguese winger joined United before the 2003-04 season for a fee of £12.75 million and was given the historic number 7 jersey by Sir Alex Ferguson, the number having previously been worn by other United legends like George Best, Bryan Robson and David Beckham.

”I would be very proud if, one day, I’m held in the same esteem as George Best or Beckham. It’s what I’m working hard towards.” – Cristiano Ronaldo

It didn’t take long for Ronaldo to burst onto the scene in top European competition, gaining the praises of the aforementioned Best:

"“There have been a few players described as ‘the new George Best’ over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me.”"

The winger would go on to score 118 times in 292 total appearances for United, all of which had some element of flair and brilliant technique to them. His ability quickly became known around the globe, most notably of his pace, dazzling step-overs and technical ability, as well as his sensational set pieces. As he developed from a young player to a world class attacker, he gained an exceptional aerial ability to complete an impressive set of skills.

Unfortunately, Real Madrid took notice of the rising star and Ronaldo showed signs of wishing to join the Spanish super club. In 2009, Manchester United accepted an offer of £80 million for Ronaldo. He left on good terms, crediting Ferguson for his part in his development into a world class player. That summer, he explained what his time at United meant to him:

"“I have a sentimental attachment; I have spent a quarter of my life here. I was boy when I arrived at Manchester United and I’m leaving a man. This club and its fans will always have a place in my heart. I have learnt a lot of life lessons here, and I will never forget all the things I have been taught by so many people.”"

His departure was painful for United fans everywhere, myself included, who had watched him grow up before their eyes. Ronaldo joined Madrid and continued his ascension into the world’s greatest player. He currently is fighting with Lionel Messi for the record of most goals scored in the Champions League, and currently possesses numerous other goal scoring records for Europe, La Liga and Real Madrid.

“I have nothing but praise for the boy. He is easily the best player in the world. He is better than Kaka and better than Messi. He is streets ahead of them all. His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible. Strikes at goal, attempts on goal, raids into the penalty box, headers. It is all there. Absolutely astounding.” – Sir Alex Ferguson

Guillem Balague recently reported to Bleacher Report that Cristiano Ronaldo could look to leave Real Madrid before his contract expires due to his current frustration. The most likely destinations for Ronaldo appear to be the MLS in the United States or back to the club where he made a name for himself, Manchester United. Balague believes he should and will choose to go to the MLS, while other reports have come out suggesting United could be preparing to make a major move in the summer.

With all that being said, if you were to ask me if I would want Ronaldo to come back to United when his time is up with Madrid, I’d have to say no.

Despite how desperately I would love to see Ronaldo retire as a Red Devil and how great it would be to see him wearing the famous red kit once again and despite all the praise I have just heaped on him, I just can’t bring myself to justify signing him on a logical or financial basis.

While Cristiano is potentially the greatest player to have ever lived, the likelihood is that what we are seeing out of him now will be the last of his great feats. At the ripe old age of 30, the unfortunate truth is that Ronaldo’s best years very well could be behind him.

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Bringing him back to United would be sensational for maybe two years but the hysteria would eventually dissipate after a few seasons, at which point we’d have to watch his inevitable decline before retirement. Just as we watched him grow and develop into a top level player, we would then have to watch him fall back down to the general level of all the other players. So much of Ronaldo’s ability revolves around his physical capabilities, his pace, agility and jumping for instance, age would hinder his contributions to the team.

It’s been said countless times before that no player is bigger than the club, and as painful as it may be in this given scenario, the same holds true.

Ronaldo is and always will be remembered as a great player, both for United and Madrid, but a move back to United would present a major problem. What if, in using Ronaldo and allowing him to perform his swan song another great future talent was lost in the fray? Using the ageing winger would mean leaving younger talent out of the squad and halting their development

If I had been asked the same question about Ronaldo rejoining United a couple years ago, I would have said yes in an instant. I can just imagine Ronaldo leading us to all the Premier League titles we’ve missed out on, preventing all the early Champions League exits. But that would have been a couple years ago, when he was still improving, as ridiculous as that may seem.

Now, as much as it hurts me to say it, I just would rather see our younger players develop than see Ronaldo finish his career here. While it’s great to look at what once was, it’s even better to look to what could be.

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