Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to fill a future role at Manchester United, after taking in two spells at Old Trafford as a player, with Wes Brown claiming that an executive post for the Portuguese superstar would be “perfect”. Evergreen Al-Nassr frontman CR7 is not ready to consider a role behind the scenes just yet, with a new two-year contract being committed to in the Saudi Pro League that will take him beyond his 42nd birthday.
GettyNext Beckham: What will Ronaldo do in retirement?
There will come a day, though, when record-shattering boots need to be hung up for the final time. That would appear to be some way off for now, with Ronaldo looking to grace next summer’s World Cup while continuing to chase down 1,000 career goals, but speculation regarding what happens next for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has already begun.
Vast experience could be passed on in a coaching capacity, but one of the most recognisable figures on the planet – one that transcends sport – is not expected to step into the dugout. He could, however, fill a directorial post or move into ownership, much like fellow former United No.7 David Beckham – who is now working with Lionel Messi in MLS at Inter Miami.
AdvertisementRonaldo told he would be welcomed back to Old Trafford
Ronaldo’s former team-mate Brown believes that the Red Devils should be looking to bring a familiar face back into their ranks, with it possible that an executive role could appeal to CR7. Brown told : “You never know what Cristiano Ronaldo wants to do, but you can’t doubt him after everything he’s achieved.
“I think first of all, it depends how he’s doing in Saudi Arabia, because it’s not clear he’ll be stopping any time soon – he’s still banging them in for Al Nassr. But he could definitely move into the boardroom, he’s got the ability to swerve away from coaching and into the executive level, 100 per cent. Why not? If he’s enjoying it, it’ll be perfect for him.”
Another former United star, 1999 Treble winner Teddy Sheringham, has previously said of CR7 heading back to Old Trafford: “Cristiano Ronaldo would be very welcome back at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, but he is onto bigger and better things. I think that Ronaldo will follow in the path of David Beckham in doing things away from coaching, higher profile things around the world. I'm sure he'd be very, very welcome in any capacity coming back to the club, but I doubt that he'll be a coach.”
GettyRonaldo friendly date: Man Utd exploring options
United’s path could cross with Ronaldo again before any decision is made on his post-football career, with the Premier League giants exploring the option of putting money-spinning friendly fixtures in place.
They are without European competition this season, leaving them with several midweek slots on their schedule to fill. It has been suggested that Amorim’s side could head to the Middle East, allowing them to line up against Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.
Brown added on that prospect: “I’d love to see us play Cristiano Ronaldo if we play against Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Some sides just go for a winter break but it’d be special if we got to play some games again, especially against Cristiano.
“A lot of things have changed for the club and for Cristiano since he left, but I think there are no hard feelings on either side at this point, and I think the fans still love him. Now that Erik ten Hag’s gone, I think that’s all been forgotten. The supporters will know that the way it ended wasn’t great, but even in that second spell, he scored goals. He was fantastic, he did his job, and kept scoring goals. I think a match to say goodbye like that would be perfect.”
Man Utd fixtures: Anfield trip next up for Red Devils
Amorim has admitted that United “have to” find a way of generating more funds this season, with fans excited to see what the club has in store. Collective attention is, however, locked on a return to Premier League action for now, with the Red Devils preparing to face old adversaries Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.