Age 'not an issue' for Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man Utd transfer return talk (Image: GETTY)
Talk of Cristiano Ronaldo's potential Manchester United return has once again ripened ahead of the summer transfer window. The 36-year-old has been widely tipped to leave Juventus amid a disastrous season.
Ronaldo has scored 35 goals in 42 games in all competitions this term. He is also nearing his first Serie A Capocannoniere (Golden Boot), netting 28 times in 32 league outings.
However, Juventus have endured a campaign to forget. The misery of exiting the Champions League to FC Porto has heaped on by a dismal title defence.
Andrea Pirlo's side currently find themselves fifth in Serie A, 16 points off newly-crowned champions Inter Milan.
Juve are one point outside the Champions League qualification places with two games left. One of those, though, is the visit of Antonio Conte's Inter this weekend.
With The Old Lady nearing Europa League football, Ronaldo is believed to be eyeing the exit door.
Age 'not an issue' for Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man Utd transfer return talk (Image: GETTY)
Naturally, former club Man United has been touted as a potential destination, and Ronaldo's ex-team-mate Dimitar Berbatov can see it happening.
Speaking in his Betfair column, Berbatov explained that even at the age of 36, Ronaldo's conditioning makes him capable of returning to Old Trafford.
He said: "Juventus are in a bit of trouble at the minute, and it's looking like they may miss out on Champions League football.
"I've read that Cristiano Ronaldo will be leaving if that is the case. I'm sure people connected to United would love for him to come home.
"He's 36, but with his shape and form, I don't see that being an issue for him if he was to come back to United."
Trending
Age 'not an issue' for Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man Utd transfer return talk (Image: EXPRESS SPORT)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Despite suggesting Ronaldo is capable of a second stint at United, Berbatov believes he'll be searching for a new challenge altogether.
"I think he will be looking for another challenge of a new place. He has done it at United, Real Madrid and Juventus," Berbatov said.
In truth, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, added to the focus on EURO 2020, makes a move of this magnitude unlikely this summer.
After another season of finishing behind their city rivals in the Premier League, though, United could be tempted to target a statement return if the timing is right.