Manchester City was Cristiano Ronaldo’s preferred destination, journalist claims

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes would rather have secured a move to Manchester City than Manchester United, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

City were in advanced talks for a sensational move for Ronaldo in the final days of the transfer window before United got wind and made a late approach to sign their former winger.

As soon as Man United showed their interest, City ended theirs and Ronaldo was only ever going to return to Old Trafford.

According to claims made by Guillem Balague, Ronaldo would actually be playing his football at the Etihad, were the champions able to provide him with the opportunity to do so.

Dejadme que os explique alguna pista de lo que pasó entre Ronaldo, el City y el United

Cristiano y Mendes negociaban con el City porque era su destino favorito (de los dos). Pep veía a CR7 marcando 40+ goles teniendo en cuenta las ocasiones que crea su City pic.twitter.com/WTBDtyjhAE

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) September 9, 2021

Translation: “Let me give you some clue about what happened between Ronaldo, City and United Cristiano and Mendes negotiated with City because it was their favourite destination (of the two). Pep saw CR7 scoring 40+ goals taking into account the chances that his City creates”

In a later tweet, Guillem Balague referred to Man United as Ronaldo and Mendes’ plan B, with Man City unable to sell an attacking player and thus not being able to accommodate Ronaldo.

When it became clear City were not able to sell at least one of their players Mendes told City that they would be accepting United's offer. The rest is history#MUFC won the narrative. The return of the Prodigal Son, a call from Ferguson, and of course a delighted CR7 back home

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) September 9, 2021

The portuguese could make his second United debut on Saturday when Newcastle visit Old Trafford.