Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of a mid-season friendly against Al-Nassr, which could pave the way for an emotional reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo. The proposed fixture, set to take place in Saudi Arabia, would offer the Portuguese icon a proper farewell to United supporters after his second spell at the club ended acrimoniously.
Former United assistant coach Benni McCarthy believes Ronaldo deserves a fitting 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. 'If that is the case that United get to play against Al Nassr, it will be a nice way for him to reconnect with the club.'
Ronaldo's contract was terminated in November 2022 following a explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticised manager Erik ten Hag and the club's direction. He subsequently joined Al-Nassr, where he has scored 105 goals in 118 appearances and helped transform the Saudi Pro League's global profile.
United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed enthusiasm for arranging such fixtures to compensate for the club's absence from European competition. 'We have to do it. We knew that when we missed out on Europe, we have a lot of things to do,' he said. 'If you have to do it, you have to manage to find the space to do it.'
Ronaldo's first stint at United saw him become a club legend, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League. Despite the sour end to his second spell, he remains a beloved figure among fans, and the friendly would provide a chance for supporters to bid him a proper goodbye.
