REVEALED: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Did Not Return To Manchester United
Action Images / Carl Recine
Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world this week by announcing that he was not only leaving Real Madrid, but was signing with European rivals Juventus, after a nine-year stint with the Spanish giants.
The deal is expected to be in the region of £88m plus add-ons, and will start a whole new chapter in the life of one of world football’s elite.
Following the monumental transfer, many were left wondering as to why Ronaldo did not consider a move to his former team Manchester United, with whom he enjoyed so much glory.
The reason was pointed out via Twitter by journalist Sam Pilger.
Pilger explained: “United were offered the chance to make a bid for Cristiano Ronaldo, but declined it and decided to spend their funds elsewhere this summer.” So the answer to the question seems quite straightforward: United simply didn’t want to put their eggs in one basket.
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Jose Mourinho has stressed the need for a squad overhaul, and has already secured the signings of Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and defender Diogo Dalot from Porto, and intends on signing a few more defenders before the end of the transfer window.
That need for strengthening the defensive line means that attacking players such as Ronaldo may not even be on the agenda for the Red Devils, even though they have been heavily linked with Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale.
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Another possible reason to add to their Ronaldo snub could be his age. The Portuguese superstar is now 33 years old, and even though he still continues to operate at a high level, it may not ideally work in the plans of Mourinho in the long run.
Ronaldo has expressed his love for Manchester United on several occasions, but it seems highly unlikely at this point that their former number 7 will ever don the coveted shirt again.