Louis Saha believes Cristiano Ronaldo would be welcomed back to Manchester United with open arms.
Ronaldo rose to prominence with the Red Devils from 2003 to 2009 and returned to Old Trafford for the 2021-22 season and half of the following campaign before joining Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, with whom he remains to this day.
The Portuguese icon's second stint with United was a tumultuous one as the club cycled through four managers in the 18 months he was with the club, but Ronaldo still managed to score 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions with the Red Devils in the 21-22 campaign.
However, the final half-season of his time at Old Trafford was much different as Erik ten Hag used the superstar sparingly, leading to a public falling out between Ronaldo and the then-manager.
Saha, who played alongside Ronaldo at United from 2004 to 2008, thinks enough time has passed from Ronaldo's Old Trafford exit that the 39-year-old would now be well received by Red Devils fans.
"Cristiano Ronaldo would be loved back at Manchester United, he is loved and respected but I also think that he has been misunderstood," Saha said while speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds.
"His second spell came during a period in which the transition was too big and the manager had a dilemma in trying to show that he is strong by leaving him out.
"The manager wanted to show his character, to show that he's a strong guy and I think that was where the clash started. If you look at his stats then you can’t argue with his goals during his first season back at the club.
"Cristiano Ronaldo at the time had strong words in regards to the management and the board, but after two years can see that he was right."