Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United in 2021 was one of the most sensational transfers in Premier League history, but it did not go entirely to plan
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United poses after signing his contract with the club at Carrington Training Ground on September 08, 2021 in Manchester, England.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United return was the stuff of fantasy
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Few transfers will ever rival the excitement and jubilation that Cristiano Ronaldo's comeback to Manchester United sparked on transfer deadline day.
In the summer of 2021, after the thrilling deals for Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho were completed, it seemed United were about to take a heartbreaking hit as club legend Ronaldo was poised for a Premier League return.
The then-36-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to local rivals Manchester City. However, the Red Devils made a last-minute hijack with Juventus and Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, while club icons Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand rang the player to put him off of joining City.
What ensued was a shock announcement that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had seemingly performed a U-turn to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad – 12 years after his departure for Real Madrid, where he went on to establish himself as one of the all-time greats. For many supporters, it signified the dream homecoming and symbolised a return to the old United, which had sorely been missing since Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
Ronaldo's spectacular move came with an initial price tag of £13million, but totalled £38m when considering the £385,000-a-week he earned over the subsequent 64 weeks he spent in Manchester.
Despite being a hefty sum for a player in his mid-30s, it still represented a wage cut from the £500,000-per-week he had been pocketing at Juve.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United poses with Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after signing his contract with the club at Carrington Training Ground on September 08, 2021 in Manchester, England.
Manchester United hijacked Ronaldo's potential move to their city rivals
Quite simply, supporters were unconcerned as they rushed to have the Portuguese superstar's name printed on the back of their 2021/22 shirts in a flurry of excitement. A thrilling United under club legend Solskjaer had secured second place the previous campaign, and now they were bringing in football's most deadly goalscorer.
Ronaldo commented following the confirmation of his transfer, as he said: "Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday.
"I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again. I'm looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead."
Having originally signed at Old Trafford in 2003, Ronaldo transformed himself from a promising talent into a global superstar during the following six years, finding the net over 100 times for the Red Devils and helping United claim three Premier League titles, along with the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the 2-1 during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and Villarreal CF at Old Trafford on September 29, 2021 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Having the Portuguese icon back was like a dream for most supporters
Following his comeback, he reclaimed his legendary No. 7 jersey and found the net on his second debut against Newcastle. Further strikes came as he managed 24 across all competitions, though his contributions proved futile as United battled poor form and Solskjaer received his marching orders early in his first season back.
Ronaldo endured two interim bosses that campaign, in Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick, as his frustration with the club's decline became increasingly apparent. The Portuguese superstar allegedly tried to orchestrate a departure but was unsuccessful before the window closed, with United blocking his exit.
Erik ten Hag's arrival as permanent manager in the summer of 2022 offered the possibility of a clean slate, until it emerged that the Dutchman wouldn't grant his experienced striker any special privileges. The veteran was left out of the Manchester derby loss to local rivals Manchester City, sparking widespread debate.
Ten Hag insisted he kept Ronaldo on the substitutes' bench "out of respect" as United trailed 4-0 at the interval. He subsequently asked Ronaldo to enter as a replacement three minutes before the conclusion of the win over Tottenham, which the forward declined to do.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United listens as manager Erik ten Hag gives instructions in the centre circle of the pitch prior to the second half starting during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on November 06, 2022 in Birmingham, England.
Ronaldo's second tenure at United didn't go as he would have planned
Ronaldo subsequently marched down the tunnel and departed Old Trafford before the final whistle - a decision he later acknowledged regretting. Ten Hag reacted to that outburst by excluding him for one match before naming Ronaldo as captain for the following four encounters.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo's decision was already made. Prior to the 2022 World Cup, he participated in an explosive interview with close ally Piers Morgan, in which he criticised both Ten Hag and former boss Rangnick.
The striker claimed he had been "betrayed" by United and also alleged Ten Hag had attempted to push him out of the club.
United reacted by cancelling his contract, clearing the path for his transfer to his current side, Al-Nassr, in January 2023, and concluding one of the club's most significant and thrilling signings ever on a bitter note.