Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal admits interest in Real Madrid forward - 'it is possible'

Manchester United manager does not expect Spanish club to sell however

Simon Rice
Friday 19 September 2014 23:51 BST
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

Louis van Gaal has admitted publicly that Manchester United are interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo, telling reports that a deal "is possible".

Speculation has been mounting over a sensational return to Old Trafford for the current Ballon d'Or holder.

The Portugal international is understood to be disgruntled at the Bernabeu having seen his wages slip behind others at the top of world football. Among those now being paid more are his former team-mate Wayne Rooney and the summer arrival at Old Trafford, Radamal Falcao.

In a recent interview, Ronaldo himself hinted at a possible return to Old Trafford: "I love Manchester," he said.

"Everyone knows that — I have said it many times. Manchester is in my heart. I left many good friends there, the supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day."

Today, Van Gaal made clear that Manchester United are ready to make that wish come true.

When asked whether he could bring Ronaldo back to United, where the 29-year-old enjoyed six successful years, Van Gaal said: "Yes, but it's always a discussion in the papers, and I don't think the media shall buy Ronaldo."

When pushed on the matter again, the United manager said: "It is possible.

"That's what I have said with Falcao. Players like Ronaldo give a lot of extra to a team, but I don't think Real Madrid shall sell him."

Louis van Gaal gives the thumbs up at Old Trafford

Van Gaal's acknowledgement of the Falcao deal when discussing Ronaldo is in respect of Manchester United's new-found willingness to go toe-to-toe with the biggest spending clubs. As well as the Colombian international arriving over the summer, so did Angel Di Maria for a record British transfer fee.

Former United player Gary Neville recently said it showed United could do a deal for Ronaldo.

"You'd have to say that with what they've done with (Angel) Di Maria and (Radamel) Falcao it's more possible, it has to be, because they've shown the real intent to go and sign world-class players," he said.

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