When will Cristiano Ronaldo play for Man Utd? Possible dates for his second debut
On 16 August, 2003, Ronaldo announced himself to English football as he bamboozled Bolton’s defence off the bench, delighted the Old Trafford crowd in a 4-0 win.
A little over 18 years later, Ronaldo is now due a second debut for the club after United sensationally agreed a deal with Juventus to bring the Portuguese legend back to Manchester… but when will he pull on a Red Devils shirt next
Premier League rules state that players must be registered by 12pm on the final working day before the next League game in order to play in that match.
Given Ronaldo was still yet to formally agree personal terms, obtain a visa or pass a medical by midday on Friday, he is ineligible for Sunday’s game against Wolves at Molineux.
United fans will be further frustrated by the fact that Sunday’s game is the final match before the international break, meaning there will be a further wait to see Ronaldo back in a Red Devils shirt.
Ronaldo will undergo his United medical in Lisbon before Portugal face the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier on September 1.
Portugal then face Qatar in a friendly in Hungary three days later before another World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku on September 7.
Ronaldo will then be free to return to the UK, and could line up for United in a League clash against Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 11.
Cristiano Ronaldo agrees Manchester United return
Unfortunately for fans who aren’t able to get their hands on a ticket to the game, the match will currently not be shown live in the UK given it starts at 3pm BST, and is therefore subject to TV blackout rules – but it remains to be seen whether a late shift will be made by broadcasters.
If Ronaldo fails to get game time against the Magpies, the Red Devils then take a Champions League trip to Switzerland to face Young Boys on September 14, and then play West Ham away in the League on September 19.