Ronaldo makes shock entry as bidder in Man Utd takeover talks
The news will come as a huge surprise to fans and rival interested parties, with the former United star - who left the club in acrimonious circumstances at the beginning of the season - keen to begin planning for life after his playing career ends.
The Portuguese megastar has amassed an incredible fortune throughout his career, with the 38-year-old boasting a reported net worth of over £92 million, as well as earning an incredible £175 million this season alone at his current club Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
It is his relationship with the oil gulf state that has allowed him to become a serious contender in the process, with members of the Saudi elite more than willing to prop him up further in a bid to buy the Red Devils.
"Today, I announce my intention to purchase Manchester United Football Club," Ronaldo said in a story posted on his Instagram.
"I have a great affinity with the club, with the fans, and I clearly respect the history. I am not satisfied with the way my exit was orchestrated earlier this year.
"It is my belief that my much-publicised interview with close friend Piers Morgan was taken greatly out of context, and I was punished by the current manager unfairly in a bid for him to create his own dictatorship.
"I will endeavour to redevelop Old Trafford into a brand new stadium fit for the club and importantly, for myself.
"CR7's New Old Trafford will become a true theatre of dreams.
Current owners the Glazers are thought to be expecting over £4.5 billion for the club, with bids from the likes of Sir Ian Ratcliffe, Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus and Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani already on the table.
Both Manchester United and Ronaldo's representatives have declined to comment on the bid, with the club expected to announce an update on the takeover process in the coming days.
Ronaldo recently broke the record for the most international appearances by any player, reaching 198 caps for Portugal during the international break and taking his record goals tally to 122 for his nation.
