Legend has his doubts over return to Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED will pull out all the stops to re- sign Cristiano Ronaldo if the striker’s desire to leave Spain is truly genuine.
However, Old Trafford legend Arthur Albiston has his doubts.
But he believes if the Portuguese really does want to quit Real Madrid in the wake of Spanish tax authorities bringing a case alleging unpaid arrears, then United should be at the head of the queue.
“It’s a big ‘if’ because we’ve been here before,” says Albiston, who spent 14 years with the club, winning three FA Cups in the process.
“Two or three years ago, Ronaldo – or maybe his agent – seemed to use United for their own gain, and he ended up with a new contract at Madrid.
“I’d hate for the club to be used again in that way.
“Call me a cynic, but it wouldn’t surprise me if in a couple of weeks we hear that he’s signed another new deal.
“We can all dream about him returning, but realistically it’s a long shot.
“However, if he’s serious about leaving, then United should be at the forefront of the clubs chasing him.
“He’s supposed to have a one-billionpound buy- out clause, and that’s obviously an unrealistic amount for anybody.
“But whatever the fee, the money side shouldn’t come into it for a club of United’s stature.
“He’s still got two or three years at the highest level, and you would be guaranteed 25 goals a season.
“Cristiano is almost in the twilight of his career. But we had Zla tan Ibrahimovic last season and every United fan would agree he was a huge success.
“It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t get another year out of him because you can’t put a price on the impact he’s had on the likes on Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.
“Experience is a great thing. Ronaldo has that now and could have similar effect on the younger players.
“He’s got a great record when it comes to injuries and he’s in tip-top shape. You know exactly what you’re buying.
“United should have a head start on other clubs because he spent a lot of good years here.
“I remember seeing him at Charlton in one of his first games for United when he was a teenager.
“The right- back was kicking lumps out of him – but Ronaldo kept going back for more.
“I saw then that he wasn’t scared of physical contact and that was good enough for me.
“He gave us some fantastic memories and it was sad to see him go.
“But if you get 300 matches and a lot of trophies out of a foreign player, you’ve done well.
“He didn’t leave under a cloud and was always respectful to the club. So he is still held in high regard.
“He played a major part in United’s success, but United also played a big part in making him by giving him a stage and some fantastic team-mates.
“I would love him to come back, but I’ d be very dubious about it happening.”