Man United transfer news: ‘There will be uproar’ if Cristiano Ronaldo offer accepted – pundit
Noel Whelan has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Man United this summer amid interest from Porto.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker suggested 2023 would be the earliest the 37-year-old could make a “fairytale move” back to his homeland.
A recruitment source told Football Insider on Wednesday (25 March) that Porto are plotting a sensational move for Ronaldo as they believe he would be interested in returning to Portugal after nearly two decades.
Ronaldo’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2023, with the club holding an optional one-year extension clause.
Whelan insisted Ralf Rangnick’s successor would want the veteran forward to remain for at least one season.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think the new manager, when you see the goals that he’s scored this season and how important he has been to Manchester United, will be very reluctant to let him go.
“I think they’ll want one season with Ronaldo. They’ll want to try and build a team around Ronaldo. He’s somebody that is a game-changer, a match-winner.
“You need to start from scratch with Ronaldo. I very much doubt he’ll leave.
“There would be uproar. I think they’ll get another season out of Ronaldo. Then maybe a potential fairytale move back to where it all began for him.
“The manager that comes in is going to need Cristiano in the changing room, on the training ground and on the field if they’re going to be successful.”
Ronaldo has scored 18 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United this season.
He started his career at Sporting Lisbon before joining the Red Devils in 2003.
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