Cristiano Ronaldo's much-awaited return to Manchester United drew ever closer after the Portuguese superstar completed his medical in Lisbon over the weekend. The procedure comes a few days after the Red Devils sealed a blockbuster deal with Juventus to bring the soccer legend back to Old Trafford.
Manchester United will pay around $17 million and a further $9.4 million in add-ons for Ronaldo, who scored 118 goals in 292 games during his first spell with the Red Devils between 2003 and 2009. Personal terms have also been agreed between the two parties, with Ronaldo's two-year contract expected to be finalized before the transfer deadline on Tuesday night.
The question now for soccer fans is when will they see Cristiano Ronaldo back in action for Manchester United in the Premier League.
Ronaldo to make Premier League return against Newcastle?
Unfortunately for Manchester United supporters, they will have to wait a little bit longer for Ronaldo's grand return as the Premier League is on an international break right now due to the World Cup qualifiers.
Ronaldo is in Portugal to prepare for his home country's World Cup qualifying matches against the Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan. The Portuguese currently lead Group A with seven points after recording two wins and a draw in their first three matches.
Portugal also has lined up a friendly match against Qatar, making the international break a hectic one for Ronaldo if he plays in all three of those matches.
Ronaldo's first opportunity to line up for Manchester United will come on September 11 when the Red Devils host Newcastle United in a marquee Premier League clash. Manchester United's domestic campaign is off to a terrific start, as they remain unbeaten after three matches with two wins and a draw.
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United's Champions League opener in Switzerland may feature Ronaldo
Ronaldo's fitness may be a concern as he has only played 30 minutes of competitive football since Portugal's Euro 2020 stint concluded back in June. However, the international break will help provide necessary playing time for Ronaldo, who is expected to play an integral role for Portugal in the qualifiers as the team's captain.
It is important to mention that Manchester United is loaded in terms of their attack, with Mason Greenwood firing on all cylinders at the moment, so they can afford to take their time with Ronaldo's return.
Ronaldo's return to Champions League action for United will come on September 14 when the Red Devils travel to Switzerland to face Young Boys United in their Group F opener. Ronaldo's last match for Manchester United came in the 2009 Champions League Final when they lost to Barcelona 2-0.
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