The Portuguese striker was tipped to return by a former teammate.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Manchester United has been clarified after his former teammate suggested that he could make a surprise comeback.

Ronaldo played for United between 2003 and 2009 and returned to the club in 2021 but dramatically left in November the following year after falling out with Erik ten Hag.

But former United teammate Louis Saha doesn’t believe that Ronaldo’s time at Old Trafford is finished yet, as he recently spoke about how he expects the striker to return to the club as a coach or manager after his playing career is over.

And now, quotes from Ronaldo himself may provide some insight into whether or not United fans can expect to see him back at the club in the future.

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After joining current club Al-Nassr as a free agent in December 2022, the Portuguese forward spoke to the media about his future.

“My work in Europe is done,” Ronaldo told reporters during his official reveal as an Al-Nassr player in January 2023.

“I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I’m happy, proud to join Al Nassr. People don’t know about the level here. This contract is unique because I am a unique player. It’s normal for me.”

The 39-year-old has played across four of the top leagues in Europe throughout his 22 year career, scoring 498 goals for clubs on the continent.

The Portuguese captain has also enjoyed an impressive international career in Europe, culminating in winning the Euros in 2016.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 49 goals in 47 appearances and won the golden boot award for the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 49 goals in 47 appearances for Al-Nassr. (Image: Getty)

Despite these comments, Saha remains hopeful that Ronaldo could return to United down the line as a member of staff.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day. That could be as a coach or even a manager,” Saha told TVSporten.

“His second spell didn’t end how everyone had hoped, and you can see why that frustrated him. He didn’t see the same formula and didn’t see the passion from young players that he had been used to seeing.

“Cristiano will understand what he needs to do as a manager. I see no reason why he wouldn’t be a success.”