Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of returning to Europe shot down by star's former Man Utd coach as he reveals the two major reasons why Portuguese will remain in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr

The appointment of Ronaldo's former Portugal team-mate Ruben Amorim as United boss sparked talk of a possible move back to Old Trafford for the 39-year-old as his contract in Saudi Arabia nears its end.

A third United spell seems unlikely for the Portugal star, but it is not clear if he will leave the Saudi Pro League in the summer to pursue another year or two in a European league. Meulensteen, however, feels that is unlikely for a few reasons as he backed the attacker to stay in the Middle East.

He said to TribalFootball.com: "He was also sold the idea of going to Saudi Arabia and growing football out there, he has been an ambassador for the league and been followed by other players. He has also grown his brand in another area of the world and still has been able to keep playing for the Portugal national team and will want to play at the World Cup in 2026. If he did go back to a top club in Europe he might not be starting in every game and that is not what he wants. He wants to keep starting and keep scoring and try to reach 1000 goals. That will be a huge incentive for him now."

Ronaldo has crossed the 900 goals mark in his club and national team career and will hope to get ever closer to the 1000 mark when Al-Nassr meet Al-Qadisiya in the league on Friday.