Cristiano Ronaldo Could Return To Manchester United

JACK OTWAY

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Manchester United this summer with the Red Devils confident of signing the Real Madrid star, according to reports

Ronaldo has again been linked with a Manchester United return with the 33-year-old seemingly set on quitting Real Madrid this summer. The Portugal international, who is currently preparing for the World Cup in Russia, appears set to leave due to Los Blancos’ reluctance to give him a bumper new deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants the same money as rivals Lionel Messi and Neymar but Madrid president Florentino Perez is, so far at least, refusing to play ball.

Reports in Spain have claimed United are interested in signing the player, nine years after he swapped Old Trafford for the Bernabeu. And Don Balon say United have two reasons to be optimistic. They reportedly think that the timing is right for Ronaldo to make a return.

Firstly, he suggested his Real days were over shortly after their Champions League final win over Liverpool late last month. Speaking then, he referred to his time at the club in the past tense by saying: “It has been very nice to be at Real Madrid.”

His mother has also been talking up a potential United return, insisting she would prefer her son to rejoin United than go to PSG.

She said: “Convince Cristiano to sign for PSG? To be honest, it wouldn’t annoy me [if he did].

“But I would prefer him to return to Manchester United.”

And Don Balon say United are also confident because of their plan to get him. Mourinho is reportedly willing to offer Paul Pogba to Perez – and thinks Real may take the bait.

Meanwhile, Madrid legend Luis Figo has urged Ronaldo to stay put despite United’s interest.

“Many times, what you want or what you are going to be doesn’t depend only on you but on other factors that so many don’t realise,” Figo said.

“But Ronaldo is at the best club in the world and I think that he should finish his career here.

“Logically for him, it has been shown that what he has gained and did in Madrid wouldn’t happen everywhere.

“Madrid have also given him a lot in terms of prestige and that has also helped him to win individually.”