Ronaldo return to Manchester United ruled out as Al Nassr tension grows
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is back under the spotlight after reports of growing frustration at Al Nassr, with a former Manchester United team-mate firmly dismissing the idea of a third spell at Old Trafford.
The 40-year-old is said to be unhappy with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has handled recent transfer decisions, believing Al Nassr have been left behind while rival clubs received greater backing. With Ronaldo still chasing the remarkable target of 1,000 career goals, speculation has intensified over what his next move could be.
Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction has been linked to the high-profile transfer of Karim Benzema to Al Hilal, a move that reportedly left the Portuguese star feeling undermined as his own club battles for domestic success. Despite Ronaldo’s consistent goalscoring form, silverware has been limited to the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup since his arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr remain firmly in the Saudi Pro League title race, sitting just one point behind leaders Al Hilal after 19 matches. However, the sense that their main rivals have been strengthened at a critical stage of the season has fuelled unrest around Ronaldo’s situation.
The context makes any talk of Manchester United impossible to ignore. Ronaldo’s legacy at Old Trafford is unquestionable, shaped by league titles, Champions League success and his first Ballon d’Or during a transformative first spell. His return in 2021 initially delivered goals under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the relationship quickly deteriorated following Erik ten Hag’s arrival, ending with a dramatic exit to Al Nassr.
Former United defender Wes Brown has now poured cold water on reunion talk. Speaking on the situation, Brown admitted Ronaldo’s frustration is clear but insisted a return to Manchester United is not realistic, pointing instead to options such as Major League Soccer or a homecoming in Portugal.
The atmosphere around Ronaldo’s current club has grown increasingly tense. While his goals continue to arrive, questions linger over his long-term motivation and how committed Al Nassr remain to building a team around him as rivals push aggressively for trophies.
Key developments off the pitch have also shaped the narrative. Ronaldo is reportedly on strike as discussions continue behind the scenes, and while his €50 million release clause offers a clear exit route, no immediate resolution has been reached.
On the pitch, Al Nassr’s campaign continues, with a crucial fixture against Al Ittihad looming on Friday evening. The result could yet shift momentum in the title race, but attention remains fixed on Ronaldo himself and whether this latest standoff marks the beginning of the end of his Saudi chapter.
For now, a third Manchester United spell appears firmly off the table. What comes next will define the closing stages of one of football’s greatest careers.