Cristiano Ronaldo surprisingly reacts to 39th birthday message from Man Utd - one year on from acrimonious exit sparked by Erik ten Hag fallout

The Portuguese superstar made a stunning return to English football in the summer of 2021. Less than 18 months later his contract was ripped up, with an explosive interview leading to a falling out with manager Erik ten Hag that saw a professional relationship there damaged beyond repair.

Ronaldo headed to the Middle East after severing ties with the Red Devils and has continued to star for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr. He hit a world-leading 54 goals for club and country in 2023, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner showing no sign of slowing down.

He turned 39 on February 5, with birthday wishes flooding in from every corner of the planet. One of those messages was sent from Manchester. Ronaldo could have been forgiven for ignoring United, given how their partnership ended, but he has liked their post on social media.

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Ronaldo is currently recovering from an unfortunate injury that prevented him from lining up against eternal rival Lionel Messi in a recent friendly date between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami. He will be hoping to come back into contention for the resumption of competitive action in Saudi Arabia – with Al-Nassr set to face Al Feiha in the AFC Champions League last-16 on February 14.