Jose Mourinho has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo was “never on the table” for Manchester United before he joined Juventus from Real Madrid
As reported by Sky Sports, Jose Mourinho has gone on to squash rumours that indicated that Manchester United were interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo this past summer. Widespread reports had indicated that Juventus had beaten the Red Devils to the signature of the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo enjoyed a legendary nine-year spell at Real Madrid upon joining from Manchester United in the summer of 2009. The stint at the Bernabeu saw him notch up a staggering 15 titles, while also going on to become Los Blancos‘ all-time top scorer, with 450 goals.
This past summer though, Ronaldo sent shock waves across Europe, when he brought his time at Real Madrid to an end upon winning his fifth Champions League title. There were murmurings that Manchester United were eager to re-sign the 33-year-old in a bid to bolster their attack.
But, Juventus ended up snapping up the superstar in a groundbreaking move that has elevated them to being the Champions League favourites this season. The rumour mill though, suggested that Ronaldo did so by snubbing Manchester United, even though he himself insisted that the Red Devils never made an offer for him.
Jose Mourinho has gone on to confirm exactly what Ronaldo said, iterating that the 33-year-old was “never on the table” for Manchester United, when speaking in the aftermath of his side’s 2-0 win over Burnley on Sunday.
“The objective is clearly to win the Champions League, which they were close twice when they reached the final. Fantastic players – Cristiano, (Emre) Can and (Leonardo) Bonucci. Absolutely top. But they are going to have two very difficult matches against us. Cristiano was never on my table to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Cristiano to come to us. It was never on the table.”
Mourinho’s words indicate Manchester United never pursued a move for Ronaldo, and that Juventus were perhaps the only club vying for his signature. And, it does make sense, considering the Premier League heavyweights are laden with options for the left side of the attack.
Upfront, Romelu Lukaku is Mourinho’s first-choice striker, and accommodating Ronaldo could have spoiled the balance of the side, despite his stupendous stature. Ronaldo though, will be returning to his old stomping ground soon, with Manchester United and Juventus drawn in the same Champions League group.
An emotional return beckons for Ronaldo, but it looks like he is unlikely to don the famous Manchester United red in his career again.
