Gary Neville delivers verdict on Manchester United re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo

Gary Neville is excited for Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United and says the Portugal superstar can help the club enjoy a successful season.

Ronaldo is set for a sensational return to Old Trafford after Man United reached an agreement to re-sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from Juventus.

The 36-year-old has spent the last three seasons in Turin, scoring 101 goals in 134 appearances and helping Juventus win two Serie A titles.

But Ronaldo has decided to leave Juventus for a new challenge and agreed terms with Manchester United after initially opening talks with arch-rivals and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

Reacting to Ronaldo re-signing for his former club, Neville told Sky Sports: ‘Fantastic news. A little bit nostalgic, which doesn’t always work in football, but the idea of Ronaldo going to Manchester City was torture for United fans.

‘If there is a big player available, United have to be in the market. We know there’s a potential that Haaland could be available next summer, Cavani’s probably got a year, they definitely need a centre-forward option with Cavani.

‘I know they’ve got Greenwood but if you look at the business Chelsea have done, that Manchester City were looking to do, Manchester United had to compete, and what they’ve done is bolster the squad with a proven goalscorer, a club legend, and it’s going to give them an incredible 12 months.’

Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 games in his first spell at Old Trafford before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009.

Asked what Ronaldo will bring to Manchester United during his second spell with the club, Neville added: ‘Ronaldo will be coming to win trophies, personal accolades, set the Premier League on fire. It is a different Ronaldo, everyone expected that.

‘But he is a number nine, someone who still has that burst over short distances, he makes great runs inside the box, has anticipation of where the ball’s going to drop, and he gives United something they need.

‘I said the other day United should be in for Kane if he was available, or Haaland.

‘These types of player, to get above Manchester City and Chelsea, they’re going to have to do something big, and this could give them a temporary shot in the arm to get them right up there this year.

‘I was a little bit fearful watching Chelsea last weekend, knowing City are going to be strong, Liverpool have Van Dijk back, that United could improve but finish in a lower position. But this news gives me more hope that they can have a great season.

‘This is one of the most special players that has ever lived, forget Manchester United, it’s one of the greats of all time.’

Manchester United finished second in the Premier League last season and have already bolstered Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad with the signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

The Red Devils thrashed Leeds United 5-1 on the opening weekend before drawing 1-1 with Southampton last time out. Solskjaer’s side face Wolves on Sunday.

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