Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United for his second spell in the summer of 2021, sending fans into a frenzy. His first season went well as the Portuguese finished the top scorer for the club in all competitions. However, the Red Devils didn’t qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and the Portuguese reportedly handed in a transfer request in search of Champions League soccer.

After not getting his transfer wish to join a club playing in the Champions League, reports claimed Ronaldo was ready to honor his contract with United. Despite Ronaldo’s decision at fulfilling his contract with United, the English club looked to sign a forward. It was alleged that Ronaldo had requested the club sign options for the attack line after their tumultuous 2021-22 campaign. Meanwhile, their arch-rivals spoiled their plans of signing a most sought forward.

Liverpool ruined United’s plan to sign a forward

United entered the market for the profile of a forward. Ten Hag also insisted on a striker to start a rebuild at United. The club identified then-Benfica striker Darwin Nunez as the ideal player to partner Ronaldo. Reports linked United with Nunez for most of the summer.

Meanwhile, their arch-rivals had a different plan. Liverpool was also in the market to replace outgoing superstar Sadio Mane. They didn’t waste time and made a move for the Benfica striker last summer ahead of the United. They landed the striker in a shock deal ahead of United. United was willing to pay the $85 million fee for Nunez but fate had different plans.

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United’s hopes of landing a striker reached a standstill, leaving Ronaldo and Anthony Martial the only options. Things went from bad to worse with Ronaldo disappointing in his role under a new manager. He had a few incidents with Ten Hag that saw the Portuguese dropped from the squad for several Premier League games. 

And then came that famous interview with Piers Morgan. It changed everything upside down. The Portuguese star slammed United and Ten Hag during the interview. United reacted and terminated his contract mutually before the Qatar World Cup. Ronaldo landed a blockbuster deal to join Al Nassr and is enjoying his football at club and country.

Cristiano Ronaldo is in scintillating form this year

Ronaldo didn’t get off to the desired start at Al Nassr. However, he soon turned the tide and won the February Player of the Month award in the Saudi Pro League. He scored eight goals and provided two assists during that period. Ronaldo went past 500 league goals in the process. 

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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made it to the Portugal roster for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg. He scored a brace in both of those games and also became the most-capped international player in soccer. 

The former Manchester United player also became the first player to hit 100 goals with the national team in competitive games, excluding friendlies. He now has 15 goals in all competitions this year and is looking to add more to that tally. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule

What did you make of United’s failed pursuit of Darwin Nunez? What did you think of the way Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United last year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.