Cristiano Ronaldo Wants To Make Man Utd Great Again – Ex-Teammate Backs ‘Businessman’ CR7 For Future Role At Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo might not be done with Manchester United just yet — at least not forever.
According to his former teammate Danny Simpson, the Portuguese icon still dreams of “making Manchester United great again,” possibly by returning in a behind-the-scenes role once he hangs up his boots.

Ronaldo, now 40, recently extended his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, keeping him active until at least 42. But while retirement isn’t on his radar yet, talks about his next chapter are already gaining momentum.

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The Future Beyond Football

With one of the most decorated careers in football history — five Ballon d’Ors, five Champions League titles, and over 870 career goals — Ronaldo has little left to prove on the pitch.
The big question now is: what happens after the final whistle?

Would he coach?
Would he own a club?
Or could he return to Old Trafford — this time, not in a jersey, but in a suit?

Simpson, who shared the United dressing room with Ronaldo during his first spell under Sir Alex Ferguson, believes the superstar’s mindset and business acumen make him perfect for a leadership role.

“I wouldn’t say no,” Simpson told GOAL in an exclusive chat. “He obviously cares about the club. I think he’d like to come back again, but in another way. I don’t think he liked how he left, so he’d want to make United great again, maybe making big decisions.

The business side is different, but he’s a businessman. You can’t knock the team around him. I’d love him to because he’s got a lot to offer — that mentality, that drive — it’s what United need.”

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What Role Could Ronaldo Play At Manchester United?

It’s not just Simpson who believes in the possibility.
Former United defenders Wes Brown and Quinton Fortune have also thrown their weight behind the idea.

Brown said:

“You never know with Cristiano Ronaldo. He could definitely move into the boardroom — he’s got the ability and mindset for it. Coaching or executive level, 100 percent. Why not?”

Meanwhile, Fortune added:

“Could he be a coach? Yes. Could he be a part owner? Also yes. He’s achieved so much on and off the field, and he loves Manchester United. If he got a chance behind the scenes, I think he’d take it.”

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Businessman, Brand, and Legend

Ronaldo’s journey from a skinny teenager at Sporting Lisbon to one of football’s greatest ever players is the definition of ambition and self-belief. Off the pitch, he’s built a global empire — from CR7 hotels and fitness brands to a powerful social media presence worth millions.

For many, that same business-driven mindset could help steer Manchester United back to their glory days — blending passion, performance, and purpose.

And while his boots may still be scoring goals in Saudi Arabia, fans can’t help but wonder if Old Trafford might someday welcome him again — not to play, but to lead.

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At Sports Market International, we follow the stories that define football’s past, present, and future — from boardroom ambitions to the legends who never stop dreaming.