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Cristiano Ronaldo has been suggested for a remarkable return to Manchester United – but this time in the boardroom.
The United legend, who turned 40 earlier this year, is still playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and Portugal, with the forward setting his sights on a sixth World Cup next summer. However, Ronaldo's ex-United colleague Wes Brown believes the global superstar could one day come back to Old Trafford in an executive role, aiding in restoring the club to its former glory that they experienced during his playing days.
Brown's comments come just days before United faces Liverpool at Anfield in one of the biggest Premier League games of the season. United needs a win to ease the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, but Liverpool is also desperate for three points after three consecutive defeats.
"You never know what Cristiano Ronaldo wants to do, but you can't doubt him after everything he's achieved," stated Brown, who clinched the Champions League in 2008 alongside Ronaldo.
"I think, first of all, it depends how he's doing in Saudi Arabia, because it's not clear he'll be stopping any time soon - he's still banging them in for Al Nassr.
"But he could definitely move into the boardroom, he's got the ability to swerve away from coaching and into the executive level, 100 percent. Why not? If he's enjoying it, it'll be perfect for him."
Having missed out on European soccer this season, United is organizing a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia that could earn the club over £10 million ($13.3 million).
United's opponent in the Middle East could be Al-Nassr, which Brown suggests would be a fitting way for Ronaldo to bid farewell to his ex-club, following his contentious departure.
Ronaldo's second spell at United ended bitterly when he publicly called out then-manager Erik ten Hag, stating he had no faith in him, which led to the Real Madrid legend's departure from Old Trafford in November 2022.
However, Brown suggested it would be ideal if United is able to arrange a friendly with Al-Nassr, allowing Ronaldo to face the club where he made his name for one final time.
"I'd love to see us play Cristiano if we play against Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia," said Brown, speaking to 10 Bet Casino. "Some sides just go for a winter break, but it'd be special if we got to play some games again, especially against Cristiano.
"A lot of things have changed for the club and for Cristiano since he left, but I think there are no hard feelings on either side at this point, and I think the fans still love him.
"Now that Ten Hag's gone, I think that's all been forgotten. The supporters will know that the way it ended wasn't great, but even in that second spell, he scored goals.
"He was fantastic, he did his job, and kept scoring goals. I think a match to say goodbye like that would be perfect."
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