Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Manchester United? Where would he fit in and who would lose out?
Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a stunning return to Manchester United, but where would he fit in?
Clearly the Real Madrid superstar would not be coming back to warm the bench, but the various attacking talent means if he is in, somebody must lose out.
United already have a tough job to accommodate Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Angel di Maria, Robin van Persie, Adnan Januzaj and Radamel Falcao.
Ronaldo is claimed, by former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon who spoke to Talksport, to be unhappy at the sales of key players Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso just a year after allowing Mesut Ozil to move on.
Here is a look at one way United could line up with Cristiano Ronaldo in tow next season, without assuming any extra signings are made at this point, barring a deal to sign Falcao permanently:
De Gea
Jones Evans Rojo
Rafael Shaw
Blind
Herrera Di Maria
Rooney Ronaldo
Falcao
The big losers would be striker Robin van Persie, who will be 32-years-old this time next season, and playmaker Juan Mata, and there is still no space for youngster Adnan Januzaj.
Rooney and Ronaldo could interchange on the flanks, and hope that in Falcao they could form a trio every bit as powerful as their 2008 Champions League winning attack which boasted Carlos Tevez.
The defence certainly needs a bit of work, but providing United have any left over money if they buy Ronaldo, there would surely be an addition or two there.
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