Cristiano Ronaldo has been suggested to potentially return to Manchester United, but not as a player. Instead, he could take on a coaching or managerial role, according to his former United teammate Louis Saha.
Saha believes that the Portuguese superstar, who has shown immense passion and knowledge throughout his career, would be well-suited for such a position in the future. He noted that Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United, which ended in controversy nearly two years ago, left the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feeling frustrated.
“He didn’t see the same formula and passion from young players that he was used to,” Saha commented.
Despite the issues during his last term, Saha is confident that Ronaldo’s work ethic and experience could translate into a successful managerial career, similar to other former players like Roy Keane.
Ronaldo has previously expressed a lack of interest in coaching, stating in 2019 that he did not see himself pursuing a managerial career. However, he did not completely rule it out, hinting that “maybe one day I will be bored and I will feel like it.”
Ronaldo’s legacy at Manchester United is well-established, having first joined the club in 2003 and returning in 2021. Despite his controversial departure, following a public fallout with Erik ten Hag, Saha believes that Ronaldo’s future involvement with the club could usher in a new era of success.