Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a proper farewell from Manchester United fans – Benni McCarthy

Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy believes Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a proper farewell from fans after his unceremonious exit from the club.

The Portuguese legend, who has Ghanaian-born McCarthy’s admiration, remains one of United’s most celebrated players.

He scored 118 goals in 292 appearances and helped the club win multiple trophies, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Ronaldo rejoined United in 2021 but left abruptly after a controversial interview in late 2022. The 40-year-old now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, yet McCarthy insists he should return to Old Trafford for one last goodbye.

“Oh, definitely. You know what he’s achieved since he came to the club, and where his career then kind of exploded even more when he went to Real Madrid. So he has only good memories at Man United,” McCarthy told BestBettingSites.co.uk.

“I think the manner that he left, it wasn’t a fitting manner for such an unbelievable, world-class player of his stature.”

McCarthy said Ronaldo’s departure felt incomplete because he never got the chance to say goodbye to teammates or staff.

“He just left and we never saw him again,” the former South Africa international added. “He never got to say goodbye to the players, to his teammates and to the technical staff that was there.”

The former United striker coach believes a potential friendly between Manchester United and Al-Nassr could offer Ronaldo a chance to reconnect with supporters and the club that “put him on the map in world football.”

Ronaldo’s first stint at United between 2003 and 2009 established him as one of the world’s best.

While a third spell remains unlikely, McCarthy says fans would cherish any opportunity to celebrate his legacy properly.