Harry Maguire Finally Opens Up Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United Return
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United from Juventus for £20 million, ended in disappointment
- Harry Maguire praised the striker's impact, noting his goal-scoring prowess even as the team struggled with consistency
- After a fallout with head coach Erik ten Hag, the Portuguese forward left for the Saudi Pro League as he joined Al-Nassr in December 2022
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has disclosed that Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the Old Trafford club ended in disappointment, despite the striker scoring goals.
The Portuguese striker stunned the football world when he returned to the English club in 2021 after a remarkable spell with Italian giants Juventus for a transfer fee of approximately £20 million.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored 18 Premier League goals in 2021/22, but frustrations under Erik ten Hag led to a mutual contract termination in November 2022.
Source: Getty Images
In a chat during the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Maguire, who moved to the Theatre of Dreams in 2019 said via Express:
"I can't speak a bad word about him. It was amazing to have him, when he walked through the door it was just incredible.
"It was just so disappointing how it ended and how we couldn't find a way to perform with him in the team. He was performing, he was scoring goals, it was crazy. I don't know how many he scored that year.
"We were rubbish and he was still scoring goals, so it just shows how good he is. But we just couldn't find a way to... all our system under Ole was about being on the front foot, being aggressive.
"We just couldn't believe what happened because we obviously finished third, then second, and then that season we brought in Sanch [Jadon Sancho], Rafa [Raphael Varane] and Cristiano in the summer."
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 38 matches across competition during that season, but he fell out with manager Erik ten Hag, and dissatisfaction with the club’s performance led to a mutual contract termination in November 2022 after a controversial Piers Morgan interview.
He then joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in December 2022, reportedly signing a deal worth up to £173 million per year.
United preparing for new season
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim's Manchester United are now preparing for the upcoming Premier League season following a disappointing 15th-place finish during the last campaign.
With a full summer transfer window and pre-season, the tactician has bolstered the squad with new forwards Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.
Source: Getty Images
Fans are hopeful these signings will make an impact in United’s opening match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17.
Ronaldo proposes to Georgina Rodriguez
Legit.ng earlier reported that Ronaldo and his long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez have officially confirmed their engagement, marking a new milestone in their nearly decade-long relationship.
The Portuguese football superstar and five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly spared no expense on the diamond engagement ring, and experts estimate its value at over $1 million.
Source: Legit.ng
