Cristiano Ronaldo headed to Manchester United in stunning twist

Cristiano Ronaldo is headed back to Manchester – but not quite how most expected.

Ronaldo seemed headed to a transfer with Manchester City on Thursday. However, he is now reuniting with his old club in Manchester United.

Manchester United said they were “delighted” that Ronaldo was returning in their statement confirming the news.

According to Sky Sports, Ronaldo told Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri he wants to leave the Turin club and was widely expected to move to City, but the Premier League champions decided against doing a deal for the Portugal forward.

Ronaldo, 36, spent six seasons at Old Trafford from 2003-09, where he won eight major trophies plus the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player in 2008 before sealing a then-world record $110 million move to Real Madrid.

At United, he scored 118 goals and won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2007-08 season, the year he helped the Old Trafford club claim their last Champions League title.

— With Reuters