World football has paused in disbelief as one of the most unbelievable storylines of the modern game edges closer to reality. What once felt like pure fantasy has now escalated into genuine, high-level discussions: Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly in active talks with Manchester United’s INEOS hierarchy over a jaw-dropping third spell at Old Trafford.
According to GiveMeSport, this dramatic twist comes after a chaotic week in Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo allegedly refused to feature in Al-Nassr’s final match of the season. That act—described by sources as a “strike”—is now widely interpreted as a calculated move, clearing the path for a potential return to the club where his legacy in English football was forged.
Rewriting the Past: “It was never the club”
At the heart of this possible reunion is a carefully measured attempt to repair fractured relationships. A message attributed to Ronaldo’s camp has been framed as an olive branch to Manchester United and its supporters: “The problem was never the club, it was the person in charge. Now that the door is open again, I’m ready to come home.”
The implication is unmistakable. The statement separates Manchester United as an institution from the circumstances surrounding Ronaldo’s acrimonious exit, subtly pointing the finger at the former regime under Erik ten Hag. With INEOS now overseeing a new era and Michael Carrick leading the technical project, Ronaldo’s camp is presenting this moment as a clean slate—an opportunity for reconciliation rather than revisionism.
Carrick Contacted and a Radical Contract Proposal
Crucially, this move is not being driven through intermediaries alone. Ronaldo is believed to have personally contacted Michael Carrick, a former teammate and trusted figure, to assess whether there is genuine openness to one final season of CR7 under the new leadership. That personal approach underscores how seriously the Portuguese legend is treating the possibility.
Even more striking is the structure of the deal being discussed. Ronaldo has reportedly signaled his willingness to accept a performance-based contract, stripping away the usual financial risks associated with a superstar of his stature. Payments would be tied directly to minutes played, goals scored, and collective success—positioning the move as competitive rather than sentimental. Insiders claim this bold concession has shifted opinions within a previously divided boardroom.
INEOS at a Crossroads
Inside the club, opinions remain sharply split. One faction views Ronaldo as a unique asset: a serial winner, a relentless competitor, and a proven goal scorer capable of raising standards instantly. They also point to his global commercial pull and believe his influence could accelerate the development of young attackers like Šeško. With incentives replacing guaranteed wages, they see minimal downside.
Opposing voices argue the opposite. To them, reintroducing Ronaldo risks undermining the cultural reset painstakingly established under INEOS. Concerns linger over tactical compatibility, physical demands at 39, and whether such a dominant personality could disrupt a system built around collective intensity rather than individual stardom.
Carrick’s Defining Decision
Ultimately, the burden may fall on Michael Carrick. He must decide whether he can integrate one of football’s most commanding figures into a demanding, modern structure—or whether the risks outweigh the romance. The reward could be a fairy-tale finale filled with goals and emotion; the danger, a distraction capable of destabilizing an ambitious rebuild.
This saga is no longer just about Cristiano Ronaldo. It represents the clearest test yet of INEOS’ vision for Manchester United: cold, progressive reconstruction—or calculated nostalgia, harnessed for one last, unforgettable chapter.
