Manchester United are depending on an act of generosity in their bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Red Devils have been tipped to land the 36-year-old and bring him back to the club he left in 2009.
After joining Real Madrid from United, Ronaldo went on to prove he is one of the best footballers of all time by winning a list of trophies.
They include four more Ballon d’Ors to add to his solo triumph in 2008, as well as a quartet of Champions League medals – also joining his 2008 title.
When he joined Juventus in 2018, his presence was supposed to elevate the Italian giants to European glory.
(Image: NurPhoto/PA Images)
But that has failed to transpire and, if anything, Juve have got worse – relinquishing their Serie A title to Inter Milan.
And there is a chance they might not even qualify for the Champions League – a competition Ronaldo is desperate to win one more time before retiring.
With the chances of that going ahead at Juventus slim, the veteran forward has his sights set on leaving the club and finding one that can fulfil his dream.
It has led to talk that his former club United are interested – who are desperate for a striker.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has insisted that there are no interesting offers on the table but his mother would love him to sign for Sporting Lisbon – the club he came up through the academy with.
However, according to Tuttosport via Sport Witness, that would require a hefty act of generosity with the Portuguese club – who were crowned Primeira Liga champions this week – not possessing anywhere near enough to afford his €30m-a-year wages.
It would require Ronaldo to drastically drop his salary demands as a result, or he could look at returning to United – who could stump up his wages.
But whether they would remains to be seen with the more likely scenario being that wherever the five-time Ballon d’Or winner goes, his pay packet will take a hit.
