Sporting Lisbon sporting director Hugo Viana insists Cristiano Ronaldo will decide on his next move but claimed a return to his former club is hard to see right now.
The Portuguese club are reportedly considering a move for the Manchester United No 7 having made initial contact. The player's future at Old Trafford remains unclear despite spending less than 12 months at the club with Sporting ready to offer him a way out.
Erik ten Hag is the new man calling the shots in Manchester and his style was seemingly at odds with Ronaldo's game. However the player is keen to stay if he remains part of the Dutchman's plans, but frustration is growing due to a summer transfer window that is yet to yield any new arrival.
Viana, who played in the Premier League with Newcastle United, is helping Sporting behind the scenes and was quizzed on the rumours of a Ronaldo return. He told Sky Sports : "I think not now - I don't think it is possible, but you never know. He can decide where he goes, but you never know the future. I don't want to talk about that, but he has another year on his contract so whatever he decides, let's see."
The Sporting chief also claimed the Red Devils were seeking a period of stabilisation. He added: "It is time for Man Utd to stabilise, to create a good spirit inside the club. I think it is not what's happening now, but there it always time to rebuild. With Cristiano, of course, there is a player who scores 25 goals per season."
Ronaldo began his career at Sporting but the club's financial structure would make an approach incredibly difficult unless the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was ready to take a massive pay cut.
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The Lisbon outfit, who are led by highly-rated young coach Ruben Amorim, have enjoyed plenty of recent success. They claimed the league and two domestic cups in the past two seasons.
A source at the club told The Sun : “Sporting know that Ronaldo loves winning trophies. That looks a long way away at United at the moment and time is running out for Ronaldo. So what better way to finish his career than move back home and play in Portugal. It’s a strong league and a great lifestyle. Senior officials have made enquiries and let Ronaldo know they are interested if he wishes to leave United.”
Ronaldo scored 24 times last term as he returned to Old Trafford following 12 years away. However he copped criticism for altering the team's style whilst his leadership was called into question.
