Former Manchester United players continue to make headlines as they prepare for the next chapters of their careers.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one familiar name who could return to the United Kingdom during the 2026/27 season.
Portugal have been drawn against Wales in the Nations League, meaning Ronaldo could play on British soil again if he continues his international career.
The 41-year-old confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.
However, he has not yet closed the door on representing Portugal at Euro 2028.
Ronaldo is not the only former United player whose future remains unresolved.
Several ex-Red Devils are assessing their options before the new season, with one experienced figure returning to the UK while searching for another club.
He remains determined to continue playing and believes he can still perform at a high level despite entering the later stages of his career.
Former Red Devils star continues search for new club
The player in question is Chris Smalling, who has returned to Britain after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha.
The 36-year-old is currently a free agent and is looking for the next move of his career.
Speaking to BBC Sport, via The Sun, Smalling insisted that retirement is not currently in his plans.
He explained that his focus remains on playing, with his physical data giving him confidence that he still has more to offer.
Smalling joined Manchester United from Fulham in 2010 after Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to move to Old Trafford.
He went on to make 323 appearances for the club and scored 18 goals across a decade in Manchester.
The centre-back won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his United career.
He later rebuilt his reputation in Italy with Roma, where he won the Europa Conference League and was named man of the match in the final.
Chris Smalling most recently represented Al-Fayha, making 57 appearances and facing leading Saudi Pro League stars including Ronaldo.
Now back in the UK, the former England international is waiting for the right opportunity rather than calling time on a career that has already included more than 580 club appearances.