CRISTIANO RONALDO might wonder what could have been if he steps out at the Etihad today.
For a few crazy days in August, the Portuguese legend looked as though he could do the unthinkable and sign for Manchester City.
Cristiano Ronaldo nearly joined United’s rivals, and title challengers, Man City in the summerCredit: PAThe 37-year-old instead dramatically re-joined United and has netted nine league goalsCredit: REUTERSRonaldo’s side are chasing a top-four finish while their City rivals go for a trebleCredit: EPA
After it became clear they could not sign Harry Kane, Pep Guardiola toyed with the idea of a moving for Ronaldo instead.
United simply could not let that happen and made their dramatic move to take him ‘home’ to Old Trafford instead.
We will never know how different things could have been had the 37-year-old pushed for a move to the reigning champions instead.
But he knows from facing City back in November what a formidable team he almost joined.
And four months on, here the ‘noisy neighbours’ are chasing a treble – while United are facing an uphill battle just to reach the top four.
Of course, United could – in theory – win the Champions League this season and earn a return ticket for next season that way.
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But few expect them to be anywhere near it – and Ronaldo could be forgiven for looking at what he missed out on.
The former Real Madrid ace has just one goal in the calendar year so far – and his place in the Red Devils starting XI has come under scrutiny.
Yet knowing him, you wouldn’t be surprised if he took centre stage by finding the net in the derby.
His team will undoubtedly start as second favourites against the current leaders.
Despite their defeat to Tottenham in their last home game, City have failed to win only two of their last 16 games in all competitions.
Yet those fans who make the short journey across town will not be completely without hope.
This is the third year in a row that these two old rivals have faced each other in the opening days of March – and the Reds have come out on top in the previous two.
They famously won 2-0 at Old Trafford on a rainy day shortly before the lockdown two years ago.
Then 12 months ago, they won by the same scoreline – bringing City’s 21-game winning streak to a halt in the process.
In fact the Etihad has been a happy hunting ground for United in recent years – with the Blues winning just one of their last seven home derbies.
If United can pull it off again on Sunday, the cheers will be just as loud down the M62 at Anfield as it would hand Jurgen Klopp’s men the initiative in the title race.
The scene is set for a tense afternoon in the North West.
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