Cristiano Ronaldo left Man Utd in 2022. (Image: Getty)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Mikael Silvestre have fond memories together at Manchester United, lifting the Champions League in Moscow in 2008. And the retired defender has incredibly backed Ronaldo to return to the club in some capacity in the future, despite the explosive nature of his exit two years ago.
The 39-year-old is still scoring goals for fun, netting 12 times and providing three more assists in 14 appearances for club and country this season.
He joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, shortly after an infamous no-holds-barred interview with Piers Morgan led to the termination of his United contract.
Despite publicly blasting different aspects of United’s operations during the bombshell discussion, Ronaldo has maintained his love for the club and its fans.
And Silvestre has backed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to make a second emotional return to Old Trafford further down the line, on the pitch or off it.
“I think it’s only a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo reunites with Manchester United fans in some capacity at the club, but it won’t be anytime soon,” Silvestre told Norskebettingsider.
“He is a legend of the club, and it will be amazing if we see him at Old Trafford again, but it’s too early to think about at the moment. Not yet.”
Ronaldo has registered 67 goals and 18 assists in 74 games since joining Al-Nassr and appears determined to guide Portugal into the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo still loves Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
The showcase event in the United States, Canada and Mexico would almost certainly be his international tournament swansong.
It would also represent his final opportunity to get his hands on a rare trophy that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
A return to United is likely off the cards while Erik ten Hag is in charge, though, considering he aimed fire at the Dutchman before his exit.
Whether Ten Hag will be the club’s manager beyond this season is up in the air amid a dismal start to his third season in charge.
Silvestre believes United are at an all-time low under the 54-year-old but has still backed his former club to recover and improve on last season’s eighth-place finish.
The Frenchman added: “There is more pressure than ever on Erik ten Hag because it’s never been this bad before.
“There is a clear correlation between the pressure on him and Manchester United’s position in the table.
“The club is always under a lot of scrutiny, and that’s not going away anytime soon. They have to step it up and find points. The football at the moment is irrelevant. They need to win games.
“It’s crucial for Ten Hag that United finish in a Europa League qualification spot, at least, for the financial reasons and what it means to fans.
“Fans want to see the team finish as high as possible, and if that isn’t inside Europe, then you’re not competing with the top clubs. I think they will finish fifth or sixth.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1965666/Man-Utd-news-Cristiano-Ronaldo