Top six Premier League records Cristiano Ronaldo could break at Man Utd

The Portuguese superstar has made a sensational return to the English giants.

The fairytale return of Cristiano Ronaldo, albeit late, has happened. Leaving Juventus, a club he joined in 2018, Ronaldo will join the club he first signed for as a 17-year-old. With his homecoming, he will look to build on the legacy he built at the Premier League during his first stint.

Records and accolades are synonymous to the Portuguese's first spell at the Premier League. From wide-ranging free-kicks to two consecutive player of the season awards, he had it all. Upon his return, he has the chance to repeat a similar run in terms of records. Here are some records that Cristiano Ronaldo could break in the upcoming seasons at Manchester United:

6. Most free-kick goals

Cristiano Ronaldo was an acclaimed free-kick taker during his first tenure at Old Trafford. 11 of Ronaldo's 118 goals for the Red Devils have come from direct free-kicks, and fans will be expecting similar hits again. Although a case about Ronaldo's decline in free-kick taking abilities can be presented, he definitely cannot be counted out.

The former Sporting Lisbon attacker's tally of 11 free-kicks is third in the list of all-time direct free-kick scorers in the league. Provided that the 36-year-old puts on his long-range shooting boots, he'll be aiming at David Beckham's record of 18 direct free-kicks.

5. Most goals in a season

Even though Cristiano Ronaldo is 36, his scoring abilities, by general standards, have not significantly regressed. The Portuguese scored 29 goals in 33 domestic matches in the previous season for Juventus - more than Romelu Lukaku did for Inter. After all the goal-studded season, it will not be a surprise if Ronaldo continues his rhythm of scoring a goal every 97 minutes.

His form and the ability to still be a constant threat inside the box puts him in a good position to set the record for most goals in a Premier League season. Now that he's backed by experience, and a re-inforced Manchester United side, Mohamed Salah's 32-goal tally will be the one to aim at. To achieve that, Ronaldo will have to better his tally of 31 goals in the 2007/08 season.

4. Most Player Of The Season awards

Cristiano Ronaldo earned two Premier League Player of The Season awards before leaving Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009. Winning two consecutive titles in 2007 and 2008, the then 24-year-old starlet coupled his second with the FIFA World Player of The Year. As the crown jewel in Sir Alex Ferguson's dominant side, Ronaldo's impressive campaigns makes Old Trafford remember him till date.

His return to the club puts him in a possibility to win another one, and become the sole player with most Player of The Season awards. Currently, Arsenal's Thierry Henry is tied with Ronaldo's two awards with the former winning it in 2003/04 and 2005/06 seasons.

3. Oldest player to score a PL hat-trick

A €15 million plus €8 million add-on deal will see Cristiano Ronaldo commit to Manchester United on a two-year contract. Turning 37 on February next year, he will be 39 by the time his current contract expires. While he's made age appear to be nothing more than a number till date, continuation of that will see him break yet another record.

Cristiano Ronaldo's homecoming for the last stretch of his playing career can make him the oldest player to score a Premier League hat-trick. Teddy Sheringham currently holds the record, with a hat-trick at 37 years and 146 days old.

2. Most goals in a month

Ronaldo's impeccable goal-scoring ability is paired with his tendency to score goals in packed fixtures. During his time at Madrid, the four-time Pichichi winner was able to grind out hattricks and braces in consecutive fixtures in a quick succession. This very tendency can land him to become the highest Premier League scorer in a single month.

Luis Suarez, scored 10 goals during his peak Liverpool years, and hold the record currently. Cristiano Ronaldo in his second tenure at Old Trafford will look to break this record.

1. Most Ballon d'Or awards by a Premier League player

It's been evident that Cristiano Ronaldo will be a Ballon d'Or contender until he retires. With impressive clutch scoring ability, Ronaldo might present himself as a strong contender for the premium award yet again. Repeating his first Ballon d'Or with United will be difficult, but it will not be impossible for the five-time winner.

Ronaldo currently holds the joint-record of the most Ballon d'Or awards by a Premier League player with Michael Owen (1 award each). Much will rely on how the Portuguese and the whole Manchester United side perform, yet the chances are there.

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