Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fires shots at Man City over Cristiano Ronaldo transfer

Posted Saturday, September 11, 2021 by Express.co.uk

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a second Man Utd debut this weekend but was initially linked with a controversial Man City transfer.

Cristiano Ronaldo was never going to sign for Manchester City despite claims that the iconic forward was close to joining Manchester United’s fierce rivals, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted.

United completed the sensational return of Ronaldo on transfer deadline day, culminating a remarkable saga.

Ronaldo decided a week before the deadline that he wanted to leave Juventus after three years in Italy.

City apparently led the race and some premature reports even suggested that the Premier League champions had agreed a deal for the legendary figure to join Pep Guardiola’s squad.

However, just 24 hours later United announced that they had an agreement in principle to bring Ronaldo back to the club 12 years after he left in a then-world record transfer to Real Madrid.

Reports of Ronaldo’s Old Trafford comeback were prompted by Solskjaer revealing that the door remained open for the Portugal captain to sign, despite claims of a City transfer.

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fires shots at Man City over Cristiano Ronaldo transfer
Cristiano Ronaldo would never seal a Man City transfer, Man Utd's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said (Image: GETTY)

He has now taken a swipe at City, revealing that there was no chance of Ronaldo joining them.

"I don’t think there was any prospect of that,” Solskjaer told reporters on Friday.

The United boss went on to suggest that Ronaldo opted to re-join the club to experience pressure.

Solskjaer’s side are chasing a first Premier League title since 2013.

The Norwegian added: “The pressure is a privilege. At Manchester United, you want that pressure.

"As a player, coach or manager, if you want an easy life, you go mid-table somewhere.

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fires shots at Man City over Cristiano Ronaldo transfer
Cristiano Ronaldo is in line for his second Man Utd debut (Image: GETTY)

"No, we want that pressure. We feel it, but that makes you feel alive.”

Ronaldo, for whom United are believed to have paid Juventus £20million, is in line to make his second debut for the club on Saturday afternoon.

Solskjaer’s side host Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

The former Real Madrid star told the club’s official channels of his return: “I never thought I would be back again but I am so proud, so excited and I’m looking forward to starting in the best way. I’m so happy, my family is happy, my kids, everyone.

"To be back again, we have good memories, but this is a new time, a new generation and I’m here to win again and to help the team.

"The new young lads have huge potential and I’m here again to win and make history. The people here are different. When I touched down at the airport the other day, I felt the emotion.

"It’s not just because I’m a United player - they saw me grow up here at 18, my passion and everything. So I feel very emotional, with desire and good energy.”