A return to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo has been discussed amid his current feud with Al-Nassr
Jorge Jesus, Manager of Al-Nassr, interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo is facing an important moment with Al-Nassr(Image: Getty Images)
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A potential third stint at Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo has been dismissed by his former colleague following his dispute with Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo, who turns 41 on Thursday, has dominated international sports news after his controversial behaviour in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese superstar declined to feature for Al-Nassr in their 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Monday, reportedly incensed by ex-Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema's transfer to rivals Al-Hilal.
The French striker, 38, left Al-Ittihad following the termination of his contract before joining the league frontrunners, who currently sit one point clear of Ronaldo's team in the Saudi Pro League.
Since Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are all under the ownership of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Ronaldo has reportedly been incensed that the acquisition of the 2022 Ballon d'Or recipient was sanctioned, given the potential harm to Al-Nassr's championship ambitions.
With uncertainty surrounding his availability for Friday's encounter against Al Ittihad, widespread debate has emerged regarding whether Ronaldo's time in Saudi Arabia could end. According to The Athletic, the 41-year-old possesses a £44million release clause within his deal.
Media reports have suggested Ronaldo could make a remarkable return to Old Trafford under former Red Devils colleague Michael Carrick, though the prospect of the forward wearing United's colours for a third occasion was rejected by Wes Brown.
Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr
Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr(Image: Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
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The former Manchester United defender told BettingLounge: "He's not happy but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can't see how that could happen. A move to MLS? Maybe. Maybe he goes back to Portugal and plays there. I'm sure he will still have so many options.
"The main thing is that he still wants to play in the World Cup and we would have to keep playing and making sure he keeps himself fit to do that. It's a shock to everyone to see Ronaldo on strike but I honestly think it will get resolved. We'll have to wait and see where it goes from here."
Given Ronaldo's acrimonious departure following his second stint at Old Trafford before the 2022 World Cup, it seems unlikely he will return in a playing capacity in the immediate future.
According to The Athletic, Ronaldo is understood to be disappointed with the Al-Nassr leadership for not sufficiently strengthening the squad during January's transfer window.
The club's only acquisitions were Abdullah Al-Hamdan, a Saudi Arabia international striker, from Al Hilal, and Haydeer Abdulkareem, an Iraqi midfielder, from Al-Zawraa SC.
The absence of marquee signings, combined with Benzema's switch to Al-Hilal, has reportedly left Ronaldo questioning whether the clubs under PIF ownership share the same level of ambition. Nevertheless, in what may reassure Al-Nassr supporters, Ronaldo shared a photograph of himself training with the senior squad on Thursday.
Despite this, the club has yet to confirm whether he'll be included in Friday's matchday squad. Ronaldo has found the net 17 times in 18 league appearances this season, with only England forward Ivan Toney managing more strikes (18 goals).