Cristiano Ronaldo was left devastated after his Al-Nassr side were beaten by Al-Hilal on a penalty shootout in the final of the King Cup of Champions over the weekend

Cristiano Ronaldo was left devastated after his Al-Nassr side were beaten by Al-Hilal

After being left in floods of tears, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to ask his former club Manchester United for a favour.

The 39-year-old striker was reduced to an inconsolable mood following Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al-Hilal on penalties in the King Cup of Champions final on Friday night.

Ronaldo collapsed onto the turf and wept at the final whistle after confirmation that his second season in Saudi Arabia would end without any silverware.

The second chapter of Ronaldo’s Saudi spell has been a disappointing one, and the chaotic Saudi Cup final – which included three red cards and a penalty shoot-out – summed up the emotional chaos which has defined the team this year.

Ronaldo stepped up for his side’s second penalty and scored with typical aplomb – after former Manchester United star Alex Telles had missed their first. All but two takers for Hilal converted, with Telles’ miss ensuring Nassr lost.

The defeat means not only did Al-Nassr lose the Saudi Pro League title to Al-Hilal by some distance, but they also suffered the ignominy of losing the domestic double against their rivals in the King Cup of Champions final.

And keen to eclipse this latest disappointment and atone for a trophy-less season in the Middle East, Ronaldo looks set to raid his former clubs Manchester United and Real Madrid for reinforcements.

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Ronaldo had to be comforted by a team-mate and a member of the club’s coaching staff ( 
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According to Spanish publication Marca, the Portugal international has approached United midfielder Casemiro regarding a potential move. The report states that Madrid’s Nacho Fernandez has also recently received a call from Ronaldo.

A move for Casemiro could make sense for all parties involved. The Brazilian’s contract at Old Trafford expires in June 2026. But despite featuring 32 times across all competitions for the Red Devils this season, the 32-year-old midfielder has endured a difficult term, often looking overwhelmed by the Premier League’s demands and missed United’s stunning 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

In May during a particularly disappointing run, Casemiro’s future at United came under intense scrutiny from fans. Shortly after United’s 4-0 humiliation against Crystal Palace, Jamie Carragher told Casemiro to “call it a day” and join the MLS or Saudi Pro League.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender said: “I said at half-time he’s got to bring Casemiro off.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro
Casemiro did not feature for Manchester United in the FA Cup final ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

“I know he’s got kids on the bench but I think Casemiro, deadly serious, should know himself tonight as an experienced player that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the [FA] Cup final.

“And he should be thinking, ‘I need to go to the MLS or Saudi’. I’m deadly serious. He’s ageing, the people around him need to tell him this has to stop. We are watching one of the greats of the modern time playing in one of the best midfields we’ve seen who dominated Europe.”

Carragher added: “The football has left him at this top level he needs to call it a day at this level of football and move.”

Casemiro would represent the latest high-profile footballer to spend the twilight of his career playing in Saudi Arabia.