United gear up to face their Prodigal Son as Champions League clash looms

By Guest Writer
Updated: 11 February, 2013

Photo: Getty Images

Not only is he one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the Old Trafford turf, Cristiano Ronaldo is also a self-proclaimed psychic who had a sixth sense that his Real Madrid team would be paired with his former club in the last 16 of this year’s Champions League.

The draw obliged, both in the dress rehearsal and the real thing a day later and football fans worldwide will now be treated to 180 minutes of fascinating action between the past and present of Cristiano’s glittering career thus far.

When the winker packed his bags and waved goodbye to Sir Alex and co in the summer of 2009 there was widespread fear that his goals galore could not be replaced too easily; the Portuguese star hit 68 in his last 2 season in Manchester.

They’ve certainly not struggled for goals this term though with the addition of Robin Van Persie coupled with the fine goal scoring form of both Javier “Chicarito” Hernandez and the fit-again Wayne Rooney, their shaky defence hasn’t been too much of a factor as they regularly outscore opponents making them an ever-present goals galore tip this season!

Despite the want-away fashion in which the mercurial Ronaldo bundled out of Manchester almost 4 years ago, Cristiano will be hoping for a warm reception when he returns to his former playground on Tuesday 5 March 2013.

Amidst constant rumours of a return to Old Trafford for good, even the most passionate, stubborn and ardent United fans surely wouldn’t say no to getting their former talismanic star back on the books. A hero’s welcome on his return could light the touch paper for a sensational homecoming in the summer should both parties be willing to strike up a deal.

Sir Alex, or Dad as Cristiano has been known to call him, will no doubt be typically bullish on the subject of a Summer swoop for his former star man and he wont entertain any speculation unless he knows for sure that the deal is available on terms that he is happy with.

Always keen to avoid any undue circus-like publicity the Scot rarely re-signs anyone regardless of his ability but it’s fair to say that Ronaldo could be an exception to the rule.

Bookmakers don’t seem too confident of a return though and offers of around 4/1 for CR7 to be back in Sunny Salford after the Summer transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

No matter what happens in the next two legs of Champions League action for United, it’s fair to say that the Red Devils’ fans will always be odds-on to have fond memories of the Portuguese winker who has broken plenty of English hearts before and will not be afraid to do it again as he attempts to drag his beleaguered Real Madrid side into the Quarter Finals of the Champions League.

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