Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Man United (Image: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo could make a sensational return to Manchester United as a coach or manager, according to his former team-mate Louis Saha. The Portuguese superstar’s name will forever be linked with the Red Devils due to his successful first stint at Old Trafford.
However, his second spell was less fruitful, ending in mutual consent following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan. Despite currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and turning 40 in 2025, Ronaldo has not yet revealed his future plans, either at club level or internationally ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the US.
Although he famously took on a ‘coaching’ role during Portugal’s Euro 2016 final victory, Ronaldo has not publicly expressed any interest in a managerial career. Nevertheless, Saha believes his passion and dedication could see him return to the Old Trafford dugout one day.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day,” Saha told TVSporten. “That could be as a coach or even a manager.”
His second stint at United was marked by frustration and criticism towards the club and its hierarchy, leading to his release in November 2022.
The striker has been told to return to Old Trafford and redeem some of his past antics (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The football legend’s candid chat with Piers Morgan was the catalyst for his departure from Manchester United, as his criticism of manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s young talent sealed his fate.
Despite this, Ronaldo’s impressive tally of 27 goals in 54 appearances during his second spell at the club cements his status as a cherished figure among the Red Devils faithful. Currently relishing his stint at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he notched up 35 goals in his debut season, Ronaldo is set to remain there for the current campaign, though his next steps are shrouded in uncertainty.
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Former teammate Saha has suggested that Ronaldo might pursue a coaching career, provided he refines some interpersonal skills.
“Now he will know that he needs to find a new way to communicate when he becomes a coach,” Saha noted. “Which maybe isn’t as harsh or direct as it was when he was at the club.
“He will work out how to be successful and use all his knowledge to do that; we’ve seen Roy Keane go into management and have success. Cristiano will understand what he needs to do as a manager. I see no reason why he wouldn’t be a success.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1938262/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Manchester-United-Roy-Keane