Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided fresh insight into the monumental decision to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester United during his tenure as manager, a move that both thrilled and divided fans. In a candid discussion, Solskjaer revealed what many supporters had long suspected about the motivations behind Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford, finally addressing the implications it had on the squad and the club.
Ronaldo first became a household name at United after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, in a deal worth over £12 million. At the time, the young Portuguese winger was tasked with stepping into the shoes of David Beckham, who had left for Real Madrid. Under the guidance of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo flourished, developing into one of the world’s most feared attacking players. During his first spell at the club, he won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and secured his first Ballon d’Or, an award given to the best player in the world. In 2009, after achieving immense success in England, Ronaldo made a record-breaking £80 million transfer to Real Madrid, where his legacy would only grow.
At Real Madrid, Ronaldo’s star ascended even higher. His time in Spain was marked by two La Liga titles and an astonishing four Champions League trophies. Additionally, he added four more Ballon d’Or awards to his collection, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. After a decade at Madrid, Ronaldo sought a new challenge and joined Juventus for €100 million, where he continued his dominance, winning two Serie A titles. However, in the summer of 2021, Ronaldo made an emotional return to Manchester United, reuniting with his former teammate, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was now in charge of the club.
Ronaldo’s highly anticipated second stint at Manchester United, however, did not reach the heights of his first. Though he displayed moments of brilliance, including several match-winning performances, his return coincided with a turbulent period for the club. His time at United came to an abrupt end under Erik ten Hag’s management following a controversial and explosive interview with Piers Morgan. In the interview, Ronaldo voiced his frustrations, openly criticizing the club’s structure, management, and facilities. This ultimately led to a mutual termination of his contract, and Ronaldo soon found himself embarking on a new chapter of his career in Saudi Arabia, joining Al Nassr at the age of 39.
Now, in a revealing interview at the Oslo Business Forum, Solskjaer has offered a glimpse into the rationale behind Ronaldo’s homecoming. He admitted that one of the primary reasons for United re-signing the superstar was to prevent him from joining their arch-rivals, Manchester City. Solskjaer acknowledged that the club’s hierarchy, as well as himself, were deeply concerned about the possibility of Ronaldo donning the blue of City, a scenario that would have been unthinkable for United supporters.
“Bringing Cristiano back to Manchester United wasn’t just a footballing decision; it was about protecting the club’s legacy and ensuring our rivals didn’t benefit from his talents,” Solskjaer explained. “Cristiano had a history with United, and he was leaving Juventus. The thought of him joining Manchester City was something we couldn’t allow. He might have ended up scoring more goals than Erling Haaland is doing now.”
Despite the clear intentions behind Ronaldo’s return, Solskjaer admitted that the move had unintended consequences within the squad. “We spoke, and it felt right to bring him back,” Solskjaer continued. “But looking back, I think it may have disrupted the balance of the dressing room. When a player of Cristiano’s stature comes in, other players naturally feel overshadowed. He is one of the biggest names in world football, and that can change dynamics, making some feel less significant.”
Although Ronaldo went on to score 24 goals during that season, making him United’s top scorer, Solskjaer’s reign came to an end just 10 weeks after Ronaldo’s return. Reflecting on this, Solskjaer expressed both pride in Ronaldo’s contributions and a sense of regret that things didn’t pan out as expected. “Cristiano delivered on the pitch, no doubt about that,” Solskjaer said. “But football is about more than just individual performances. The harmony of the team matters, and perhaps we underestimated how his presence would affect others.”
Since his departure from United in November 2021, Solskjaer has remained out of management, though he has hinted at a possible return to football in the future. He has expressed a desire to remain connected with Manchester United in some capacity, stating that the club still holds a special place in his heart. “I haven’t given up on football,” Solskjaer remarked. “Manchester United will always be my club. Whether it’s as a manager or in some other role, I hope to contribute again someday.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s journey continues in the Middle East, where his contract with Al Nassr is set to expire next year. His move to Saudi Arabia has signaled the closing chapters of his illustrious career, though the impact he left on football, particularly at Manchester United, will be remembered for generations. As Solskjaer revealed, Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford was a moment of immense significance, one that stirred emotions among fans and players alike, but also left behind questions about how it altered the trajectory of both the pla
yer and the club.