Cristiano Ronaldo: Star forward nearly joined Manchester United this summer

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo is a cult-hero at Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered Champions League glory in his final season at Manchester United, but ever since his then-world record move to Real Madrid, rumors of a return have always persisted.

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 05: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /

This past summer, there were rampant rumors of Ronaldo’s desire to leave Madrid. And according to all reports, United and PSG were the favorites to sign him.

However, according The Express, “…Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain opted against pursuing him this summer.”

‘What? Manchester United TURNED DOWN to bring Ronaldo home? WHY? WHAT? NO!’

Yes. And it was a smart decision. Let me explain.

Ronaldo is 32-years old. His best days are behind him and despite his fantastic season last year, we’re finally seeing age catch up to him this year. He has a 2% conversion rate in La Liga this year, and the transfer fee he would have garnered would have been way too much for United to cash out.

He’s a fantastic player — don’t get me wrong. One of the best in the world, there’s no doubt. But father time is undefeated, and Ronaldo is getting closer and closer to succumbing to him.

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Jose Mourinho when asked about the transfer this summer summed it up in one word:

“Impossible.”

As amazing as a return of Ronaldo would have been, it’s just not reasonable anymore.

Manchester United are moving on. They are trying to build a team that could reach the same level as Ronaldo’s United. Jose chose to focus on the player they have now — not the one they let go.

And the 2016 Ballon d’Or winner is struggling this season as well. Imagine if United splashed over €150m for the Portuguese striker only for him to take 50 shots and only score on two of them. The British press would eat him alive.

This might not be the answer United fans want to hear but it’s the truth. A Ronaldo return would have been fantastic — 4 years ago.

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However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s current contract at Real Madrid expires in 2019. If he’s still playing perhaps he could finally make the move back to United on a free transfer.