Cristiano Ronaldo Transfer to Manchester United Rumors, News Updates: Is It A Good Idea for the Club?

The rumor mill went wild this past weekend when Cristiano Ronaldo made the following statement:

"Of course, it was one of my favorite clubs, Manchester. I was 18 years old, I won everything there. The people treat me like a god there, so I appreciate it and in the future, nobody knows."

Many believed that Ronaldo would make his return to United last summer when his contract situation with Real Madrid was tenuous, but the rumors died away when he signed the extension.

But now Ronaldo's statement has renewed the rumors. One would also be inclined to think that his own comments might indicate his own interest in pursuing a move in the future. But how would it affect both teams? And would it work?

At 29, Ronaldo is arguably the best player in the world. Injury issues have created some concern in recent months, but there is no reason to deny the talent and quality of the Portuguese international. Any team that has him is already a title contender.

For Manchester United, Ronaldo would be a huge boost to a club that lacks depth on the wings. The team's wingers include Antonio Valencia, Wilfried Zaha, Ashley Young and Nani. All of those players are serviceable (and Zaha has a lot of upside thanks to his youth), but none are anywhere near the level that Ronaldo is at. Current manager Louis van Gaal seems intent on employing a 5-3-2 or a 3-4-3 system which requires wingbacks. Ronaldo is no defender and should never be expected to track back, but Van Gaal's system excels when it attacks on the flanks. Having Ronaldo on the left side would be a huge boon to Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, as it opens up space for both players. The other obvious benefit is that the team would undoubtedly score around 30 more goals, with Ronaldo leading the way.

But not everything is bright and sunny. Ronaldo is a major personality and he would likely command the center of attention. That could create some tension with Van Persie and Rooney, both of whom expect to be the central focus, as well. Rooney apparently became restless in Van Persie's first season as he was relegated to being the backup. Things improved for him under Moyes, but the team as a whole imploded.

Van Gaal was successful at containing the Dutch side's egos during the World Cup, so he might know how to contain the three superstars.

The other major question regarding such a move would be the cost and payoff. Ronaldo's injuries could harm his career, and after he turns 30 he will no longer be the superstar he has been over the last few years. Real Madrid is going to ask for a killing to sell Ronaldo, so it might not be a great idea for United to pay that much money for a player that is about to start his decline.

Real Madrid can probably do without Ronaldo. He would undoubtedly be a huge absence for them, but the team is loaded with options that could potentially take over. Gareth Bale is expected to be the team's guiding light in the next few years. He is four years younger and plays a similar game. Bale already recorded two major goals in his first year, including the goal that won Madrid La Decima in the Champions League final. James Rodriguez was also brought in as an attack this off-season for a hefty fee, and it is expected that the 23-year-old will be a major part of the team's future.

Ronaldo will decline at some point. But whether or not he stays put is a story that will likely perpetuate his career until one of two things happen: he is sold or he retires.

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