Alan Shearer says Man City were ‘played like mugs’ during Ronaldo transfer saga

"He was never going to Man City"

Alan Shearer has claimed that Manchester City were 'played like mugs' as Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in the summer. For a short period late in the transfer window, it appeared that the 36-year-old would be making a shock move to City as he pushed to leave Juventus after three seasons in Italy. However, the Portuguese captain reportedly turned down the chance to join Pep Guardiola's side and instead chose to resign with his former side following conversations with ex-teammates and former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite the Sky Blues' 'interest' in securing a deal, Shearer has insisted that Ronaldo "was never going to Man City" once the Red Devils made their interest known, making City look "like mugs" in the process. "They [Man Utd] played City like mugs," Shearer said on BBC’s Match of the Day Top 10podcast . "He (Ronaldo) was never going to Man City. "Man United could never, ever have allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to go to Man City. "I know the Man United owners are on a sticky wicket at the moment but that would have been the end of them. "I just thought he was never going to go to Manchester City." [caption id="attachment_292498" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Ronaldo has scored five times in six games for Man Utd since returning to Old Trafford. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)[/caption] The former Newcastle striker's suggestion that United's owners - the Glazer family - are "on a sticky wicket" refers to increasing discontent amongst the Red Devils fanbase following a number of controversial decisions made in the last year. Joel Glazer, who is co-chairman, played a signifiant role in the failed attempt to create a European Super League, which led to protests outside Old Trafford in May, causing United's game against Liverpool to be cancelled. Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Red Devils' owners had listed 9.5 million shares in the club up for sale, with a value of $186.86m (£137.12m) - yet, no money raised from the sale will be going to the club. Whilst United are receiving some criticism - both on and off the pitch - at the moment, one decision that has certainly paid-off is the one to bring Ronaldo back to the club. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored five times in his first six games, which comes as no surprise to Shearer. "They [United] can’t lose in this situation," said the 51-year-old. "Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might lose his job if they don’t win a trophy but for Man United, they sold Dan James for £25million and they bring Ronaldo in for under it. "I know his wages are astronomical but so they should be, he deserves them. For them to get him is a no-brainer in the situation they’re in." Ronaldo and United are next in action when they travel to Leicester City on 16 October. Related links:

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