Manchester United are reportedly considering a mid-season friendly against Al-Nassr, which would see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford for the first time since his acrimonious departure
Harry Brent Senior Sports Writer
16:21, 22 Oct 2025
A stunning reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United could well be on the cards.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that United are exploring the possibility of organising a mid-season friendly against Ronaldo’s current club, Al-Nassr, sometime in the coming months.
This potential match, likely to be held in Saudi Arabia, would give the Portuguese superstar a proper chance to say farewell to United fans after his second stint at Old Trafford ended on a sudden, sour note. Ronaldo returned to the club in 2021 after 12 years away but his contract was terminated just over a year later following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, where he openly criticised both the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
Benni McCarthy, who worked as Ten Hag’s assistant at the time, has since maintained that despite the acrimony surrounding Ronaldo’s exit, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still deserves a proper send-off.
“I think the manner that he left, it wasn’t a fitting manner for such an unbelievable, world-class player of his stature,” McCarthy told Best Betting Sites. “So if that is the case that United get to play against Al Nassr, it will be a nice way for him as well to reconnect with the club that he’s achieved so much with and the club that put him on the map in world football.
“It would [also] be a nice way for him to say goodbye to his team-mates. Because I know for a fact after that interview dropped he just left and we never saw him again.
“He never got to say goodbye to the players, to his team-mates and to the technical staff that was there. But this might give him a proper opportunity to reunite with the United faithful again. And the fans that will be there will give him a nice farewell, because that’s what he deserves for what he’s achieved at the club.”
Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United initially started brightly, but his comeback coincided with a drop in form that ultimately contributed to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer losing his job. Despite continuing to score regularly, critics argued his presence disrupted the team tactically.
He ended the season with 24 goals across all competitions, yet it was not enough to secure Champions League qualification. Over the summer, Ronaldo grew frustrated with the club’s direction and openly sought a move away.
After missing much of United’s pre-season in an attempt to force a transfer, Ronaldo was sidelined by new manager Ten Hag, frequently left out of the starting XI.
In his Piers Morgan interview, Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed” by Ten Hag and criticised United for losing their former stature under Sir Alex Ferguson. His contract was terminated just before the 2022 World Cup, and he subsequently joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Since then, Ronaldo has scored a staggering 105 goals in 118 matches, driving a football revolution in Saudi Arabia. His arrival has attracted several high-profile stars, elevating the league’s international reputation.
Although his exit left a bitter taste at United, Ronaldo remains a fan favourite, and the chance to see him play against the club one last time would be eagerly anticipated.
United have been exploring lucrative friendly matches, which could also help fill the midweek gaps left after missing out on European competition, with Al-Nassr emerging as a likely opponent.
Manager Ruben Amorim has shown interest in arranging such games, raising hopes of an emotional reunion between Ronaldo and his former club. “We have to do it. And you know, we knew that when we missed out on Europe, we have a lot of things to do,” he said.
“We have our fans, we have the budget, we have to to compensate for a lot of things. So we have to do it. We will do it. We want to be with our fans around the world. If you have to do it, you have to manage to find the space to do it.”
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2025-10-22 15:21:13
