Cristiano Ronaldo ‘In Talks’ Over Shock Move As Manchester United Exit Edges Closer

Manchester United great Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly in talks with Sporting Lisbon over a loan move back to the Portuguese club. 

According to Portuguese channel Sport TV, talks are underway for Ronaldo to return to Sporting on loan. The player’s car was apparently seen at the club’s home ground, the Estádio José Alvalade. 

This would be a second sensational return in two seasons for the 37-year-old. Ronaldo made his senior football debut for Sporting when he was just a teenager. His performances for his boyhood club impressed then United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who did everything in his power to bring the young talent to Old Trafford. 

Ronaldo went on to become one of the greatest players to ever grace a football pitch. Having won five Ballon d’Or awards and is currently the record goal scorer in Champions League history. 

Ronaldo only returned to United last summer after leaving Juventus. However, his return to Old Trafford did not have the desired outcome. He failed to galvanise a poor United side as they stumbled to a dismal sixth placed finish in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League. As a result, Ronaldo handed in a transfer request as he feels he is still capable of playing at the top level. 

Despite the team's poor showing, Ronaldo had a decent season personally. He ended the season as the club's top scorer with 24 goals. His tally of 18 goals in the Premier League was only bettered by joint Golden Boot winners Mohamed Salah and Son Heung Min. He also earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

United have been adamant that Ronaldo is ‘not for sale’. Manager Erik ten Hag said during a press conference that he has Ronaldo in his plans for the upcoming season. 

The Dutchman said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, he is in our plans - he's not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season, that's it"

It has been reported that Ronaldo was offered to many top clubs across the continent but a move has failed to materialise so far. Chelsea rejected the chance to sign the Portuguese despite club owner Todd Boehly holding face to face talks with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes. Bayern Munich said early doors that they were not thinking about adding Ronaldo to their ranks. 

Now with the new season fast approaching, all eyes will be firmly fixed on Ronaldo’s every move. Where will he be playing when the season gets underway? Only time will tell.