❌

Normal view

Yesterday — 5 February 2026Main stream

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate comments on potential “third go” at Manchester United

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus
5 February 2026 at 14:07

With tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr on the rise, rumours are circulating that we might see the Portuguese star returning to Europe.

Ronaldo was notably absent from Al Nassr’s last match, in an act of protest against the Public Investment Fund, which directly controls Saudi Arabia’s major clubs.

The striker, who is used to having his own way, feels that PIF’s decision-making is not in his favour, according to ESPN. Now, with the situation at boiling point, it seems unlikely that he’ll complete the remaining 18 months of his £488,000-per-day agreement with the Saudi club.

The final straw for Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Ronaldo’s refusal to play in the latest match was triggered by Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, a shift which greatly strengthens Al Nassr’s biggest rival. According to sources close to the star, Ronaldo feels that his club is taking a backseat in the eyes of the PIF.

In his view, he is being exploited, while other teams receive unfair favouritism. His decision not to play is a dramatic declaration of intent. He is leveraging his huge public persona to force changes in the Saudi league. If he can’t do that, his exit seems inevitable.

Cristiano Ronaldo transfer back to Man United looks unlikely

Following this intense scrutiny, it’s no surprise that fans are wondering whether we’ll see Ronaldo back at the club where he made his name.

But his former colleague, Wes Brown, says no. The ex-Manchester United centre back told BettingLounge: “He’s not happy, but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can’t see how that could happen.”

This is likely to be a blow for Man United supporters, who still associate with the heights of the team’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Brown believes a move to the USA is more probable.

“A move to MLS? Maybe,” he said. “Maybe he goes back to Portugal and plays there. I’m sure he will still have so many options.“

The post Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate comments on potential “third go” at Manchester United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Cristiano Ronaldo to go on strike again and could ask for transfer out of Al Nassr

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus
5 February 2026 at 11:12

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly ready to boycott another Al Nassr game as he could push for a transfer away from the club in June.

According to ESPN, Ronaldo remains firm in his stance that PFI should change their transfer policy, and he’s willing to continue his strike to push for change.

The report adds that if the situation doesn’t change by the summer, Ronaldo would be prepared to ask to leave Al Nassr.

The Portugal international refused to play in Al Nassr’s last game, with ESPN adding that he tried to block Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal earlier this week.

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo unhappy at Al Nassr?

As the report goes on to explain, there have been some changes at Al Nassr recently that have hindered what the club can do in the transfer market.

Cristiano Ronaldo lining up for Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo lining up for Al Nassr (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Club director Simao Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo were recently suspended by PIF, which angered Ronaldo, while there was also apparently a cut to the team’s expenses.

While all this has been happening, Al Hilal have been given more money to spend on big signings like Benzema, so it’s perhaps not too surprising that Ronaldo has been left frustrated by the whole saga.

The 41-year-old has a contract with Al Nassr until 2027, but it might now be tricky for them to hold on to him.

It would surely be a big blow for Saudi football to lose Ronaldo, but it’s clear they’ll have to make some changes to keep this star name happy.

Could Cristiano Ronaldo return to Europe?

ESPN state that Ronaldo has a €50m release clause in his Al Nassr contract, but it’s hard to imagine any European side paying that for him now.

For one thing, with Ronaldo turning 41 today, it’s not clear how much longer he has left before retirement.

Ronaldo moving somewhere like the MLS is surely more likely at this stage.

The post Cristiano Ronaldo to go on strike again and could ask for transfer out of Al Nassr appeared first on CaughtOffside.

❌
❌