5 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should move to Manchester United in January

Cristiano Ronaldo has been at the top of his game for thirteen long years. While he still seems fit enough to play another five years, all he will do is expand the number of records to his credit and also the mass chunk of silverware in his trophy cabinet.

Since his record £80 million move to the Spanish giants Real Madrid, Ronaldo has never looked back. He has made sure of his name being registered as one of the greatest players ever to grace the beautiful game. Aged 32 and still going strong, the Portuguese forward's numbers have been nothing short of mind-boggling.

Real Madrid have a stellar reputation for being a ruthless club when it comes to underperforming players. Ronaldo isn't exactly having the time of his life at the moment, owing to his goal drought at the Spanish capital. Add to that his demands over a colossal contract, CR7 might already be looking at the exit door at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It would be better to weigh options beforehand and leave as a legend than suffer a fate like Iker Casillas. Here's why Ronaldo should join United in the coming winter.

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#5: The boy from Palma

Asensio rose magnificently to the mantle in Ronaldo's absence

People always say it is impossible to replace a legend owing to his heroic exploits on the pitch. Being pragmatic, it is just the shining legacy of the player that blinds the fans. Like change is the law of nature, so is the ability of players to adapt to it. If we do not find replacements, we change the ways of our conduct and become used to it by hook or crook.

Nothing's different in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo. A few years back, many thought it was impossible to fill the huge boots of the star, yet Marco Asensio has something different on his mind.

The Palma-born youngster has already raised a few eyebrows with his meteoric rise in Real Madrid's pecking order. He has shown signs of being a future great with impressive performances in times of need. So much so that the Madrid fans flooded the social media by the question 'Who needs Ronaldo?', after Asensio proved influential in the El Clasico games and further in the Portuguese's absence.

To add to his praise, Zidane already regards the boy's left foot second to Lionel Messi. It is crystal clear that Asensio hasn't been intimidated by the presence of giants around him.

With all his striking emergence and Real in red-hot pursuit of Chelsea speedster Eden Hazard, CR7 should as well delve into his own future and think what the upcoming times have in store for him.

#4: The tax problems

Cristiano Ronaldo has been haunted by the Spanish authorities over a rumoured tax fraud

Ronaldo's fans rejoiced to the zenith on the news of Messi being possibly jailed for a tax fraud years ago. But, little did they know that their legend would be the victim of an embezzlement much greater compared to his Argentine counterpart.

Apparently, the Real Madrid talisman was the subject of a tax evasion worth €14.7 million from his image rights. In July, Ronaldo faced a 90-minute questioning phase from the tax authorities in Spain.

It looks unlikely for a charitable athlete like CR7 to be convicted in such issues. Though the Real Madrid star decided to sit tight at the Bernabeu, the tax problems haven't yet been put to the grave. To add to his woes, his agent Jorge Mendes was also dragged into the feud with the tax authorities after being summoned up for investigations regarding the case.

Ronaldo reiterated his desire to move back to England, where he would be exempted from such matters as the taxation rates are pretty less compared to those in Spain. If the accusations are proven true, the Portuguese star would do well to pack his bags and be back at Carrington.

#3: A change of scenario

Recent slump and tax issues require CR7 to have a change in the surroundings

Ronaldo and Messi are known to lock their horns against each other since the first minute of a new La Liga season. However, Ronaldo has fallen miles behind the Barca forward, owing to his five-match ban after pushing the referee in the Spanish Super Cup.

Albeit the Real Madrid fans expected him to bounce back harder on his return, things have gone beyond the line. Although he has scored two goals against Dortmund since his return, Ronaldo hasn't been effective in the La Liga owing to his scoring drought in the last three matches for Real.

A three-match goal-drought is not unusual for any other player. However, Ronaldo's habit of banging goals week in week out makes the barren spell look bigger than it actually appears. Real are already seven points behind Barcelona and Ronaldo's absence and drought have been crucial for their downfall.

CR7 has won four Ballon d'Or's and is currently gunning for a fifth to match Leo Messi in the haul. Until the end of August, the Real Madrid star was first-choice to win the award, but his drought and absence might have cost him the award. Although he will recover from his torrid spell pretty soon, one can never predict the time he takes to return to goal-scoring spree.

A January move to the Red Devils will prove to be an exciting new challenge for him. Messi and Barca are also rumoured to join the Premier League should Catalonia achieve independence.

In case that happens, the Madeira-born forward would nonetheless relish a competition with the Argentinian in the Premier League. Also, considering his age, Ronaldo should better strike while the iron is hot and before it is too late to do anything.

#2: Nothing left to prove at Real Madrid

Ronaldo has won every major trophy with Los Blancos

Very few would disagree with the fact the Cristiano Ronaldo is the crowned jewel and the most important cog in the wheel who has helped usher a golden age at Real Madrid. His goal scoring exploits have seen Real Madrid become the first team to successfully defend a Champions League title.

To add to his chunk of records, the Real Madrid forward is already the all-time highest goal scorer for Real Madrid. He has won every vital award a legend has to have in his trophy cabinet.

A move to United might be even more appealing as he would have new targets to strike at Old Trafford. Ronaldo already has 118 goals for the Red Devils. Considering his ability to score at least 35 goals per season for over the next four seasons might see him become Manchester United's all-time top scorer. By toppling Wayne Rooney, he will be the first player in history to be an all-time top scorer for two different clubs.

That would prove to be quite a challenge for the 32-year-old Portuguese skipper.

#1: He deserves to be loved

Ronaldo will be loved to the moon and back should he make the most awaited move in modern football

Since 2011, every summer transfer season has been rife with speculation linking Ronaldo back to his former club. It is no secret that the Manchester-based club holds a special place in his heart.

Real Madrid fans have never exactly adored their legend the way he should be. Ronaldo has been a victim to constant booing from the Bernabeu supporters while underperforming for the Los Merengues. Although he is greatly respected, it was reported that he felt like a criminal at Real Madrid due to the constant fall-outs with his fans.

That would never have been the case with him at Old Trafford. Although aged and no longer the dreaded trickster, Ronaldo is guaranteed to be loved to the moon and back at Manchester United. The United fans would still savour their beloved number 7 legend marauding once again in the famous red shirt of Manchester.

However, his arrival might have its negatives. Anthony Martial would certainly think of moving should Ronaldo rejoin United. Also, CR7 would be reluctant on working with Ibrahimovic, who shares a similar ego as he himself. Yet, Ibra is much closer to retirement and just one year of their togetherness won't prove as harmful as it is expected.

Jose Mourinho can well be counted upon to hold his team together, thanks to his excellent man-management skills. If United are able to convince him of that crucial point, you cannot deny the fact that the Red Devils would inch much closer to ushering another golden age.