Cristiano Ronaldo’s son has big shoes to fill but he is showing glimpses of brilliance at an academy level.
Manchester United will be more than familiar with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr after he starred at Carrington following his father’s fairytale return.
Ronaldo Jr copied his father’s celebration at United when scoring in a youth competition, and there were plenty of eyes on his progress at Carrington.
Ronaldo ended up leaving United in 2022 and of course his son followed him to Saudi Arabia. But Ronaldo Jr has been spotted in a United kit since, and it seems the Red Devils have continued to monitor his progress.
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Man United scout Cristiano Ronaldo Jr on Portugal duty
Since the Ineos takeover, there has been an active push to try and bring more talented youngsters into Carrington.
Chido Obi was signed in the summer alongside Sekou Kone – two players United staff believe have very bright futures. Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to sign ‘the next Mbappe’ and there’s no place better to look than Ronaldo’s son.
As per The Sun, United sent scouts to watch Ronaldo Jr in action on his Portugal Under-15s debut against Japan.
United were one of many clubs to send scouts to the match with Europa League final opponents Tottenham and as many as 10 Bundesliga sides present.
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However, it wasn’t Ronaldo Jr who stole the show as Portugal won 4-1, but instead, it was 14-year-old striker Rafael Cabral who scored a hat-trick before Ronaldo Jr even entered the pitch.
The young forward is one of seven players in the Portugal youth squad from Braga – the club where Ruben Amorim spent time as both a player and manager.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to his son’s Portugal debut
Making his Portugal debut was the next step in Ronaldo Jr’s journey to becoming a pro, and his legendary father has supported him along the way.
After watching his son make his debut as a substitute in the 4-1 win, Cristiano Ronaldo congratulated him via Instagram.
“Congratulations on your @portugal, debut, son. Very proud of you!” Ronaldo wrote.
Speaking about his son on Saudi Pro League: Kickoff, Ronaldo said: “He’s a good kid. The other ones are more tougher, the small ones at home. This one is no problem.
READ MORE: Ryan Giggs breaks down how Cristiano Ronaldo became ‘the best’, explains how Sir Alex Ferguson had to step in
“When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me.”
It seems he is on the right track to making it to the top.