“The problem was never the club, it was the person in charge. Now that the door is open again, I’m ready to come home.” Cristiano Ronaldo is officially ‘in talks’ with INEOS for a sensational third stint at Manchester United. Following his reported ‘strike’ at Al-Nassr this week, the Portuguese icon has reached out to Michael Carrick to see if there is room for one final season of ‘CR7’ at the Theatre of Dreams. The board is reportedly split, but Ronaldo’s willingness to sign a ‘performance-only’ contract has tipped the scales, GiveMeSport reveals.

Football holds its breath as one of the most surreal and sensational narratives of the modern era takes a staggering leap from the realm of fantasy into serious, high-stakes negotiation. **Cristiano Ronaldo, the prodigal son who departed under a cloud less than two years ago, is now officially “in talks” with Manchester United’s INEOS leadership for a staggering third act at the Theatre of Dreams.**

The seismic shift, reported by GiveMeSport, follows a tumultuous week where Ronaldo reportedly went on ‘strike’ at Al-Nassr, refusing to play in their final match of the season—a dramatic gesture now viewed as a direct prelude to this audacious homecoming bid.

**The Olive Branch: “The problem was never the club…”**
The most telling quote, a statement designed to heal old wounds and reframe the past, comes directly from Ronaldo’s camp: **”The problem was never the club, it was the person in charge. Now that the door is open again, I’m ready to come home.”**

This carefully crafted message draws a clear line between the previous regime and the new INEOS/Carrick epoch. It absolves the institution, honors its history, and targets the departed Erik ten Hag, framing Ronaldo’s explosive exit as a conflict of philosophy now rendered obsolete by the club’s rebirth.

**A Direct Line to Carrick and a ‘Performance-Only’ Gamble**
Understanding that this move would be unthinkable without the manager’s blessing, Ronaldo has reportedly reached out directly to Michael Carrick—a former teammate and respected figure—to gauge his openness to **”one final season of ‘CR7′.”** This personal touch is critical, appealing to shared history and mutual respect.

Most compellingly, in a move that neutralizes the primary financial and sporting risk, Ronaldo’s camp has reportedly offered to sign a radical **’performance-only’ contract**. This is not a sentimental payday. The deal would be heavily incentivized around appearances, goals, and team success, aligning his personal glory directly with United’s progress. This structure has, according to reports, “tipped the scales” in a deeply divided boardroom.

**The Great INEOS Divide: Romance vs. Revolution**
The board is said to be split, embodying a profound philosophical debate:

* **The Pro-Ronaldo Camp (The Romantics & Pragmatists):** They see a global icon, a guaranteed goal threat, and the ultimate “winner’s mentality” to mentor the young attacking corps of Šeško and company. They view his marketing power as unmatched and believe his sheer presence would elevate standards. The performance-based contract makes it a low-risk, high-reward gamble.
* **The Anti-Ronaldo Camp (The Purists):** They argue this is a retrograde step, a dangerous distraction from the hard-won new culture built on collective spirit over individual superstardom. They fear his presence could stunt the development of the very future he’s meant to guide and question whether, at 39, he can physically execute in Carrick’s demanding system. Is this a move for footballing reasons, or for headlines?

**Carrick’s Impossible Calculus**
The ultimate decision may rest with Michael Carrick. Can his tactical vision and man-management prowess accommodate one of the most powerful personalities in sport? Does he believe Ronaldo’s obsessive drive can be channeled solely for the collective, or would it inevitably become a destabilizing force? Carrick must weigh the potential for a fairy-tale finale and 25 league goals against the risk of a high-profile project unraveling.

**A Climax of the INEOS Philosophy**
This is more than a transfer rumor; it is the first true stress test of the INEOS doctrine. Are they building a sleek, modern machine, or are they willing to reintroduce a legendary, but volatile, component for one last, glorious campaign? Is the “heartbeat” of the revival a veteran midfielder, or could it be the returning heartbeat of a generation?

One thing is certain: the door Cristiano Ronaldo slammed shut on his way out in 2022 is not just open—it is being held ajar by the most powerful figures at the club. The Theatre of Dreams is on the verge of staging its most unbelievable, controversial, and epic final act yet.