Ronaldo Eyes Man United Return Amid Al Nassr Boycott

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old forward at Al Nassr, skipped his team's match against Al Riyadh on Monday and plans to miss the next one against Al Ittihad. This boycott stems from his frustration with the club's lack of spending in the Saudi Pro League winter window. Now, talk of a return to Manchester United, where he first rose to fame, is growing louder as contacts between his camp and the club take place.

Background

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after a messy exit from Manchester United. His contract there ended by mutual agreement following a public clash with then-manager Erik ten Hag. In that Piers Morgan interview, Ronaldo aired complaints about the club's direction and his bench role. He chose Saudi Arabia over offers from Europe, signing a deal worth hundreds of millions over two and a half years, extended last summer to 2027.

At Al Nassr, Ronaldo has put up big numbers: 111 goals and 22 assists in 127 games. He needs just 39 more goals for 1,000 in his career. But the team sits mid-table, third last season, and lost in the AFC Champions League semis. Ronaldo, as captain, pushed for signings to boost the squad and avoid a drop toward relegation zones. Al Nassr only added 21-year-old Iraqi defender Haider Abdulkarim this winter.

Meanwhile, rivals like Al Hilal spent big, signing Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad and Pablo Mari. Ronaldo saw the Saudi Public Investment Fund back other clubs more than his. This gap in ambition led to his match boycott, a bold move to force change or a way out. His €50 million release clause draws eyes from Major League Soccer teams, but his heart points back to Old Trafford.

Manchester United has changed since Ronaldo left. Erik ten Hag is gone, and Michael Carrick leads as interim head coach. The club views past issues as tied to Ten Hag alone, not deeper problems. Ronaldo's time there from 2003 to 2009 brought three Premier League titles and a Champions League win. He returned in 2021 for two trophies before the fallout.

Key Details

Reports from British social media and Spanish outlets say talks between Ronaldo's team and Manchester United are active. The club wants his goals and leadership. Ronaldo agrees to cut his huge Saudi salary sharply to make it work. A short-term deal is on the table, set for summer after the Saudi season ends.

One account claims he could leave Al Nassr as soon as today and head straight to United, but that seems off base. No major British papers confirm deals yet. Interest heats up across Europe too, with United linked strongest alongside MLS sides.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr Standoff

Ronaldo sat out the 1-0 win over Al Riyadh on February 2. He declared the boycott publicly, unhappy with no big arrivals despite his pleas. Al Nassr's inactivity contrasts with league leaders. Benzema's move to Al Hilal irked him, as funds flowed there but not his way. Sources close to the player say he feels let down after committing long-term.

"Contacts between Ronaldo and Manchester United regarding a return are ongoing. He is willing to reduce his salary to join the club of his youth." – TopSkills Sports report

United's View on Past Issues

The club pins Ronaldo's 2022 exit on his rift with Ten Hag. With Carrick in charge, doors reopen. Board members see Ronaldo's return as a boost in goals and fan pull. Progress in talks favors sports needs over money. Ronaldo's push to leave helps speed things up.

What This Means

A Ronaldo return would shake the Premier League. United struggles for consistent scoring this season under Carrick. His experience could lift them toward top spots and Champions League qualification. Fans still love him despite the drama; Old Trafford would erupt.

For Al Nassr, losing their star captain mid-season hurts. They rely on his goals to climb the table. The boycott tests Saudi league rules on player power. Ronaldo's exit might signal bigger shifts, with top talents like Benzema already moving.

Ronaldo chases records and trophies in his final years. United offers a stage for that, plus a sentimental close to his England chapter. MLS waits as backup, but Europe calls strongest. Talks progress quietly, with paperwork eyed post-Saudi campaign.

Other United news ties in. Marcus Rashford wants to stay at Barcelona past his loan, rejecting a return. Sandro Tonali draws bids from Arsenal and City. A Ronaldo deal could reshape their attack.

Ronaldo's camp stays silent publicly. Carrick focuses on games. But whispers grow. If pay cuts land and clauses clear, summer brings him back to Manchester. The transfer window's unpredictability keeps all options live. United prepares for a busy end to the season, with or without their icon.