Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return to Manchester United ‘Not a Chance,’ Says Former Scout

Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential return to Manchester United has been categorically dismissed by Mick Brown, the club’s former head of scouting. This comes amid recent developments involving Ronaldo’s protest against the Saudi League and the Public Investment Fund, which has reportedly favored rival club Al Hilal in the transfer market. The Portuguese forward has been absent from Al Nassr’s last two matches, fueling speculation about his future at the Saudi club and in the region.

Ronaldo, who has had two previous spells at Manchester United—first from 2003 to 2009 and then from 2021 to 2022—has been a central figure in Premier League and global football news for years. His current situation at Al Nassr, a club competing in the Saudi Pro League, is complicated by his dissatisfaction with the club’s management and the broader influence of the Saudi Public Investment Fund in the league’s transfer dealings. This unrest has led to widespread rumors about a potential move back to England, specifically to Manchester United, where he once enjoyed considerable success.

Despite the speculation, Mick Brown, who was responsible for scouting at Manchester United between 1998 and 2007, has stated unequivocally that a third stint for Ronaldo at Old Trafford is "impossible." Brown explained that the relationship between Ronaldo and the club deteriorated significantly following his departure in 2022, particularly due to tensions with then-manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo’s critical comments about the club and his reduced role as a first-choice player under Ten Hag contributed to a breakdown in relations, making a reunion unlikely from both the club’s and the player’s perspectives.

This development means that Manchester United will likely continue to focus on other transfer targets and squad-building strategies without factoring in Ronaldo’s return. For Ronaldo, the situation at Al Nassr remains uncertain, and his next steps could involve exploring opportunities outside Saudi Arabia, though no concrete moves have been confirmed. The ongoing dispute and his absence from recent matches suggest that a resolution is needed soon for both the player and the club.

Looking ahead, Manchester United will prepare for upcoming Premier League fixtures without Ronaldo, while the Portuguese forward’s future will depend on negotiations and potential interest from other clubs or leagues. The transfer market remains open, and further developments could emerge as the season progresses, but for now, a return to Old Trafford appears off the table.