Following a heartbreaking loss in the King Cup of Champions final, Cristiano Ronaldo is turning to his former club, Manchester United, for support.
The 39-year-old striker was visibly distraught as Al-Nassr fell to Al-Hilal in a penalty shootout on Friday night.
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Ronaldo’s second season in Saudi Arabia concluded without any silverware, leaving him emotionally drained.
The chaotic Saudi Cup final, marked by three red cards and a dramatic penalty shootout, epitomized the tumultuous year for Al-Nassr.
During the decisive penalty kicks, Ronaldo calmly converted Al-Nassr’s second attempt, while former Manchester United star Alex Telles missed their first. Unfortunately, Telles’ miss sealed Nassr’s fate.
The defeat not only cost Al-Nassr the Saudi Pro League title, but it also meant they suffered a domestic double loss to their rivals in the King Cup of Champions final.
Determined to overcome this disappointment and redeem a trophy-less season in the Middle East, Ronaldo is reportedly exploring reinforcements from his former clubs, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
According to Spanish publication Marca, the Portugal international has reached out to United midfielder Casemiro about a potential move. Additionally, Madrid’s Nacho Fernandez recently received a call from Ronaldo.
A move for Casemiro could benefit all parties involved. The Brazilian’s contract at Old Trafford expires in June 2026.
Despite featuring 32 times across all competitions for the Red Devils this season, the 32-year-old midfielder has faced challenges adapting to the Premier League’s demands.
His absence during United’s remarkable 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City raised questions about his future.
In May, amid a disappointing run, fans scrutinized Casemiro’s performance. Following United’s 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, Jamie Carragher even suggested that Casemiro consider a move to the MLS or Saudi Pro League.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool player said: “I said at half-time he’s got to bring Casemiro off.
“I know he’s got kids on the bench but I think Casemiro, deadly serious, should know himself tonight as an experienced player that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the [FA] Cup final.
“And he should be thinking, ‘I need to go to the MLS or Saudi’. I’m deadly serious. He’s ageing, the people around him need to tell him this has to stop. We are watching one of the greats of the modern time playing in one of the best midfields we’ve seen who dominated Europe.”
Carragher added: “The football has left him at this top level he needs to call it a day at this level of football and move.”
