Was Manchester United Keen on Signing Cristiano Ronaldo Before the Former Real Madrid Star Signed for Juventus?

Manchester United had a golden chance to sign their beloved Cristiano Ronaldo this summer but did not do that. Instead, the Portuguese superstar moved to Italian champions Juventus with a dream of conquering Italy after successful spells in England and Spain. The world was shocked when Ronaldo decided to finally end his glittering career at Santiago Bernabéu and move to Juventus; however, the more shocking news was that his former club, Manchester United, was not even entering to have their former No. 7 back in the side.

Ronaldo, 33, has previously teased his United return by saying that he loves and misses Manchester. He went on to say that he was unhappy in Madrid but eventually went on to stay at Madrid for nine years, where he won three successive UEFA Champions League titles. These instances could have been a reason why the Red Devils were not so interested to have him back at the Old Trafford.

"Cristiano was never on my table to say a yes or no to Cristiano to come to us. It was never on the table," Mourinho replied to a question from an Italian journalist who had travelled more than 1,000 miles from Rome, before getting up from his seat in the press room at Turf Moor.

If Ronaldo would have had signed for his former club, it would have sent shockwaves across Europe and made United serious title challengers, just like the arrival of former No. 7 Eric Cantona did to them, 26 years ago the last time. Coincidentally, Manchester United has made such a poor start to a league season too.

Alexis Sanchez is currently donning the number 7 jersey at the Old Trafford; however, he has failed to live up to the expectations, this season, after arriving from Arsenal, earlier this year.

Former Captain and No. 7 Bryan Robson was optimistic that Sanchez will soon prove his doubters wrong following the footsteps of some brilliant players. Manchester United Puts Up an Old Video of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gets TROLLED!

"I just picked it as it was a lucky number when I was at West Brom. I asked Steve Coppell if I could wear it," Robson said. "After me when Eric wanted it, then Becks, Ronaldo, we have had some fantastic players who have played as No.7. I think Sanchez can get up there with them. For me, he is a top player. He has a winning mentality, works hard for the team and has great ability."

Cristiano Ronaldo will eventually return to Old Trafford after Juventus were drawn with Manchester United in Champions League group stages.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2018 04:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).