Manchester United may be presented with their best opportunity to hand Cristiano Ronaldo a fairytale return this summer.
But it is a decision which should not be taken lightly given the finances which would undoubtedly be involved.
After failing to win the Champions League or Serie A this season, Juventus could consider offloading Ronaldo this summer.
According to The Athletic, Ronaldo views a return to Old Trafford as a genuine possibility having remained in contact with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Whilst United are said to be open to bringing back Ronaldo, they will only do so if the price is right and the financial details fit in with their plans.
Signing Ronaldo would mean a partnership with international team-mate Bruno Fernandes, who he helped convince to join the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon.
But, when discussing Ronaldo’s value to Portugal in Euro 2020 this week, Fernandes highlighted the decision Manchester United will need to make.
"Ronaldo is influential, as always,” Fernandes told reporters. “He is another one who wants to do his best and is making a difference."
He then added: "The most valuable player in the national team is the 'we'. The 'we' is the most important, there are many Is, but the 'us' is what counts.”
Whilst the chance to bring back Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all-time, would undoubtedly represent a significant opportunity for Manchester United, they must look at the bigger picture.
He would command hefty wages and, at 36, they would have limited scope for return on that investment.
Manager Solskjaer has also made it clear he believes he needs a handful of players to turn his side into Premier League title contenders.
Jadon Sancho, 21, has long been United’s top target to fill the void on the right wing, whilst Edinson Cavani has nailed down the central striker role in the short-term.
Should Man Utd try to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo? Have your say here
Given pressing needs elsewhere - namely at centre-back, right-back and in central midfield - then a move for Ronaldo might not necessarily be for the best.
As Fernandes pointed out, the most valuable in any team “is the ‘we’”, whether that is for Portugal or Manchester United.
And focusing on the bigger picture rather than the tempting narrative of a fairytale return for Ronaldo is imperative for United chiefs.
From Fernandes’ perspective, it is clear he would relish a link-up with Ronaldo at club level having spoken extremely highly of his Portugal team-mate.
"I think he is decisive already,” Fernandes said this week, underlining that Ronaldo is still a huge threat.
“He scored two goals in an important moment. Everyone knows about his quality and the capacity and facility to score goals he has.
"However the most important thing here, as Cristiano Ronaldo already pointed out, is the group and how everybody is giving their very best for our country.
"He is also doing his best and he did it in the best possible way in the last match.”
The chance to resign Ronaldo would be tempting in any circumstances, but Fernandes’ comments highlight that United must not lose focus on the bigger picture when they decide whether to pursue a move.
