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Cristiano Ronaldo's rumored switch from Juventus to Manchester City is one of the most high-profile transfers that could take place in the ongoing summer window. The Portuguese ace is undoubtedly one of the greatest ever footballers and this potential move has got everyone talking.
However, it was more than just a few eyebrows raised for Manchester United fans. The feeling of one of your most renowned players plying their trade for your cross-town rivals is of pure dismay and the Red Devils' faithful fear it may become a reality.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester City - a good match?
The Champions League is the only missing silverware from Manchester City's trophy cabinet, and the quest for this has led them to Cristiano Ronaldo. Being a five-time Champions League winner, the former Real Madrid man definitely has the pedigree to lead Manchester City to their maiden European title.
The burning desire to add more accolades coupled with playing under Pep Guardiola might tempt him to return to Manchester, albeit for the blue side.
Apart from his winning mentality, Cristiano Ronaldo would bring with him his enormous fan base, which in turn would result in exorbitant shirt sales and other financial benefits.
The move seems like a matter of when, rather than if. Especially since Ronaldo wants to leave, Juventus are open to selling him and Manchester City need a world-class forward.
However, being a global phenomenon and after having won it all in a career that has spanned over nearly two decades, should Cristiano Ronaldo really join Manchester City?
Here, we take a look at five reasons why he shouldn't go ahead with the switch to the blue half of Manchester:
#5 Sir Alex Fergusion's fury
Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to recognize Cristiano Ronaldo's talent and played a major role in bringing him to Old Trafford. Not only did Ferguson sign Ronaldo at a young age, he took the Portuguese forward under his wing and helped him improve in more ways than one.
On several occasions in the past, Ronaldo himself has likened his old manager to a father-figure and has thanked Ferguson for the role played by the manager in his development.
Over the years, there have been a few instances where United players have joined Manchester City, including Andy Cole, Peter Schmeichel and Carlos Tevez. All these players had fall-outs with Ferguson before they joined Manchester City.
Ronaldo still maintains a good relationship with him, well up until now at least. However, joining Manchester City now might seriously hamper their relationship and he might risk falling out with his father-figure in football.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo should try to experience a new league
With Cristiano Ronaldo's imminent transfer to Manchester City, there is a feeling of 'he's been there, done that' in the air. Having registered 84 goals and 34 assists for Manchester United in the Premier League, Ronaldo has already won the title three times in a row. He was also adjudged player of the season twice.
After developing from a flair player to an absolute goal machine in the Premier League, he went on to win domestic titles in Spain and Italy as well. Undoubtedly, Cristiano Ronaldo has nothing left to prove to his doubters in England.
As such, it makes sense for him to seek a fresh challenge in a new league, much like his fierce-rival Lionel Messi.
#3 Manchester City's squad depth and risk of rotation
Even without Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City are already one of the best teams in the land filled with talent and class throughout. With Jack Grealish added to the mix at Manchester City, the competition for places won't be getting any easier.
The Premier League champions can easily field two entirely different starting elevens, capable enough of challenging for the title. Even then, they will still have a few world class players on the bench.
At the time of writing, Manchester City have Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Ferran Torres as options for the winger role.
This abundance of world-class wingers might result in rotation during games. If a situation arises when Ronaldo is unable to play almost every game of the season, it could prove detrimental to his ambitions.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo may not be the ideal tactical fit
Aged 36, Ronaldo is not turning any younger. Even though he did what he does best last season and won the golden boot in Serie A with a whopping 29 goals, he looked out of place at times.
Cristiano Ronaldo can play down the middle and be as effective as he has been on many occasions with his national team Portugal. However, he has never been a part of such a demanding system as the one deployed by Guardiola at Manchester City.
Last season, Manchester City played with a false nine many times. Strikers in Pep's system often have to work their hardest by leading the pressing from the top.
This could affect Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester City. It remains to be seen if he is ready for such a meticulously-planned system at this phase of his career.
#1 Manchester City switch could ruin his United legacy
When Manchester United played Sporting Lisbon in a pre-season friendly in 2003, little did they know they would come across a young Cristiano Ronaldo who would eventually go down in the history books.
With his quick feet and dazzling footwork, it didn't take long for him to endear himself amongst the United faithful. Cristiano Ronaldo won the golden boot in the 2007-08 season in which he also won his first ever Champions League medal.
However, the Portuguese was already on the look-out for a new challenge and ended up moving to Real Madrid, his dream club. At the Santiago Bernabeu, Ronaldo further elevated his status as one of the world's best players.
He returned to face United on a couple of occasions for Real Madrid and Juventus, his current club. Cristiano Ronaldo even scored against United for Los Blancos but refused to celebrate as he maintained he still had love and respect for the club.
Manchester United fans still celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of their own. But a potential switch to Manchester City could ruin his relationship with the fanbase and the club that made him the star he is at the moment.
Rumors of Ronaldo being in talks with Manchester City have already incited a stern reaction from Manchester United fans all over the world. It could get even more intense from now until the end of the transfer window, especially considering how the plot is thickening by the minute.
