3 Reasons Why Ronaldo Should not Return to Manchester United

Porto v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League
Should CR7 return to Manchester United?

Recently there has been a lot of speculation regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Real Madrid. The Portuguese superstar's comments after winning the Champions League treble have only added fuel to fire. Club president Florentino Perez has been quoted saying that the five time Balon d'Or winner could be sold for a reasonable price. There are a plethora of clubs interested in Ronaldo but Manchester United seems to be the most likely option. Old Trafford was where Ronaldo transformed from a prodigy to one of the game's greatest stars.

But a return to United might not suit CR7. Here are 3 reasons why he should not make this move.

#3 Physical Intensity of the EPL

The Premier League is the most competitive league in Europe. It is also the most physically intensive. Defenders in the league love to 'attack' the opposition attackers. Crunching tackles. Shoulder battles. A little bit of kicking here, there and everywhere. Its all part of the game.

Nothing gets the English crowd going more than a ferocious diving in challenge on a cold rainy afternoon that sweeps the recipient off his feet and lands him on his backside.

England is not quite Spain. The weather is not as pleasant and neither are the defenders. At 33 Cristiano Ronaldo may not be up for this physical battle, week in week out. The La Liga is an easier league to play in for the fleet footed with its preferred tiki taka style. The English game is a monster in comparison. It is 'rough' to say the least. The referees are also much more lenient with the physicality of the battle.

Add to that the fact that teams particularly love to take down the biggest names in the opposition. So Ronaldo with his 'best player in the world' tag will be on every defender's radar. No better way to make a point then by taking down the absolute best.

Cracked bones. Sore shins. Muscle tears. Is Ronaldo ready for this?

#2 No Glory to be Gained

Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
What more can he achieve at Old Trafford?

Three consecutive Premier League titles. A Champions League. A FIFA Club World Cup. A Ballon d'Or. A FIFA World Player of the Year award. What more can Ronaldo achieve at Old Trafford?

Under Sir Alex's tutelage he became one of the best players of this generation. After moving to Real Madrid he covered himself in ever more glory. Today he stakes claim to being the best in the world with only Lionel Messi and Neymar his rivals. A 5 time Ballon d'Or winner he surely needs a new challenge rather than being burdened by huge expectations should he return to United.

Nothing short of winning either the Premier League or the Champions League will satiate the hunger of the Red Devils' fans. But can this United team keep pace with a rampaging Manchester City team in England? Can they stand up to the might of Real Madrid or Barcelona in Europe? Anything short of a title win will not add to Ronaldo's legacy at United. If anything, it might just diminish it. With expectations so high, fans will expect immediate results.

The risk reward ratio does not seem to be favourable for a return to Old Trafford. He might be better off seeking a new challenge in a new country.

#1 Mourinho's Brand of Football

Real Madrid v AC Milan - UEFA Champions League
Will Ronaldo reunite with Jose Mourinho?

Jose Mourinho is The Special One for a good reason. He has a history of winning the biggest trophies. But he wins them only in his own special way. That's the flip side of geniuses. They are very reluctant to change.

Mourinho prefers to play with the lone striker. His style of football is pragmatic where winning is all that matters. His two title winning spells at Chelsea are proof of that. Last season at Manchester United, he was a bit more adventurous going forward and could not secure the top spot. Which might make him return to his more conservative methods this season.

At Chelsea, Mourinho specialized in shutting up shop at 1-0. He also loves to 'park the bus' when he thinks its acceptable not to lose at any cost whatsoever. In either of the above scenarios he is also prone to replacing / substituting his lone striker with a more defensive minded midfielder / attacker.

Yes Ronaldo and Mourinho have worked together in the past and won trophies at Real Madrid. But the requirements of the Premier League are different than La Liga. Will Mourinho be willing to play Romelu Lukaku and Ronaldo in the same side on a regular basis? Highly unlikely. Will he drop Lukaku for Ronaldo? Again unlikely. So what will be Ronaldo's role at United?

This is a serious quandary for Ronaldo. Juan Mata is not at the same level as Ronaldo. But his role under Mourinho at both United and Chelsea should raise alarm bells for Ronaldo.

If last night's performance is anything to go by, Ronaldo still has two to three years at the very top. He would prefer to play in a team where he is still the one around whom the team shapes up. He would also like to boost his goals tally by playing in a more free flowing league.

All these factors stack up against his move to Manchester United. Mourinho's style of play will not get the best out of Ronaldo. Perhaps PSG or the Chinese Super League would be more to his liking.

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Edited by Moderator -PJ