Italian club AS Roma could attempt to pull off one of the biggest transfer coups in the summer transfer window by signing Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. The Portuguese striker was his team’s talisman and shining light in a horrific season for the Red Devils. Reports suggest that the 37-year-old struggles to see how he can fit it under new manager Erik Ten Hag.
His compatriot and manager of Roma Jose Mourinho wants to build on the success of last season by taking the quality of his team one notch higher by signing the five-time Ballon d’or winner.
It is difficult to see Ronaldo making a move this summer but the transfer window has served lots of surprises so far and this could yet be another one of those scenarios.
Ten Hag has showered praise and hailed Ronaldo’s longevity
Although the new manager of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag, has outlined his desire to keep the 37 year old in this welcome interview to the club, there are concerns of his suitability to the style of play the Dutch manager is known for. The former Ajax boss is known for his intense and attractive style of attacking football, which is mainly suitable for younger legs. It remains to be seen how the 52-year-old intends on using Ronaldo.
Moreover, La Republica reports that this development at Old Trafford has put top European clubs at alert, over the availability of an established goal machine. Clubs like Juventus and Sporting Lisbon also fancy a return for the player.
The report by the aforementioned newspaper is that the Portuguese talisman is concerned about how the new manager intends to use him. The manager’s intense pressing and quick play might not suit his game and he fears a guest role in the new season. This has fueled speculation that he might want to leave the club.
Ronaldo and Mourinho relationship a lingering question
The report also claims that Ronaldo’s uncertainty has increased the possibility of a move elsewhere. A move to Roma could see the striker join his former teammate Nemanja Matic and his former manager in Jose Mourinho.
However, the move might also face some obstacles because Ronaldo and Mourinho had a breakdown in relationship in their last time together at Real Madrid.
It will nonetheless be a bold move for ten Hag to sell the club’s leading scorer last season, but it will be a sign of courage and a firm stamp on what he wants from his players. Either way, Manchester United have a choice of two positives to make.
