Manchester United legendary defender bombarded: Ronaldo s return to Manchester United was a fatal mistake, he should have joined his arch rival Manchester City

When Cristiano Ronaldo chose to return to Manchester United in the summer window of 2021, countless Red Devils fans were filled with tears for this drama of "a wanderer returning home". But now, the remarks of former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister have nailed the fairy tale to the shameful pillar of "decision-making mistakes" - he bluntly stated that Ronaldo should have joined his arch rival Manchester City, not to be wrongly given to Manchester United.

This legendary defender who once played with Manchester United in the Ferguson era pointed out mercilessly in an interview with BetVictor: "Royce's first Manchester United career is enough to be recorded in history, but his second return was a mistake from the beginning." Pallister's criticism pointed directly at the core: Manchester United in 2021 was no longer the Premier League overlord when he left in 2009, and the team's chaotic structure could not support the superstar's performance at all.

The mortal enemy is the "true emperor"?

Pallister revealed that Manchester City's interest in Ronaldo back then was by no means groundless, and this was the best choice for the Portuguese to miss. "If Manchester City really wants him, it is definitely a more perfect destination." He analyzed, "Royce is a killer in the penalty area, and his teammates need to continue to feed cakes to create opportunities - this is exactly what Manchester City is best at, and Manchester United could not do it at the time."

data seem to confirm this view: during the second visit to Manchester United at Manchester United, his efficiency in scoring 27 goals in 54 games seemed to be good, but his disconnection with the team's tactics was obvious. During the coaching period of Tenghah, the superstar caused a conflict because he refused to appear on the bench, and finally terminated the contract in November 2022, with an embarrassing ending. In contrast, Manchester City is at the peak of pass control created by Guardiola at the same time. If Ronaldo joins, it may be able to replicate the successful paths of forwards such as Aguero and Jesus.

The price of emotion over reason

"Returning to Manchester United will inevitably touch his emotions. After all, this is where he grew into a superstar." Palist said frankly, "But emotions cannot replace reality - our team at that time was not worthy of him, and the gap in strength was too obvious." He emphasized that Manchester United asked Ronaldo to undertake more tasks of retracement and connection, which is contrary to the current situation where his sprint ability at his peak had declined, and Manchester City's system only requires him to focus on ending in front of the goal.

What's more cruel is that this return may have damaged the legendary reputation that Ronaldo has accumulated in Old Trafford. Palist said regretfully: "He could have continued to score goals at Manchester City, but he was struggling at Manchester United. What fans remember may not be just the glory of the first time he left."

Now C Ronaldo plays far away in the Saudi League, while Manchester United is still struggling in the quagmire of revival. This "reunion farce" that lasted for two years finally became the "wrong choice of the wrong time" that Palist said.

If time goes back, what kind of story will Cristiano Ronaldo write in his blue battle robe? This may become one of the most intriguing "ifs" in Premier League history.