Pranav Kannan
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on a transfer to Sporting Lisbon
According to Caught Offside (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on a move to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon with the deal said to be ‘99 percent done‘
Ronaldo joined the Red Devils from Juventus last summer in a transfer that was received with much anticipation. The return of the prodigal son was expected to be the final missing piece in the jigsaw and the Portuguese forward was expected to take Manchester United back to the top of English football.
Twelve months later, it is safe to say that move hasn’t really worked out. Although Ronaldo had a pretty decent season on a personal note, Manchester United’s performances regressed and they finished last season trophyless.
The former Real Madrid man played 38 times for Manchester United across all competitions last season. The striker managed to score 24 goals and provide three assists during this period. These numbers are very impressive, especially for a player of his age.
The Red Devils, however, struggled to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. This meant that they failed to qualify for the Champions League this season. For a player who is nicknamed ‘Mr. Champions League’, it is not surprising that Ronaldo has been pushing for an exit throughout this summer.
The 37-year-old superstar was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this summer but it did not materialise. Ronaldo has since started the season with Manchester United but has failed to impress in the three games until now.
It has now emerged that the Portuguese forward is very close to securing a deal back to Portugal. Sporting CP find themselves in the Champions League this season and a return to his boyhood club will see Ronaldo play in the coveted competition where he will even get to face familiar foes Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage.
If Ronaldo indeed leaves the club this summer, it will be a sad ending to what has been an excellent career for him in a Red Devils shirt. There is no doubt that the 37-year-old is a Manchester United legend, but his second stint has been rather forgettable.
Erik ten Hag continues to insist that Cristiano Ronaldo is very much in his plans for the current campaign. However, there is a feeling that it is best that both parties part ways right now, especially with the player wanting to leave.
More Manchester United News
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- Crystal Palace have an eye on Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay this transfer window
- Erik ten Hag explains Anthony Martial’s influence in Manchester United’s win against Liverpool
Ronaldo’s time at Old Trafford seems to be coming to an end, and what a time it has been! If the 37-year-old ends up staying, there is a chance that he could be important for us. Right now though, he looks closer to an exit, than staying.
