Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United: Pursuit to be 'called off' to avoid upsetting existing stars

Red Devils chiefs don't want to upset the likes of Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria

Cristiano Ronaldo (Getty Images)

Manchester United will cool their interest in Cristiano Ronaldo to avoid upsetting their current crop of star players, according to reports.

The Real Madrid forward has been linked with a sensational return to Old Trafford next summer amid claims that he is unhappy at the Bernabeu.

The Ballon d'Or holder's frustrations are understood to relate to his wages, which have slipped behind a few others including former team-mate Angel Di Maria who moved to Old Trafford over the summer.

When asked recently whether he could bring Ronaldo back to United, where the 29-year-old enjoyed six successful years, Louis 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".

However, the Star today claims that Manchester United will cool their interest in Ronaldo for fear of upsetting the likes of Di Maria and his other high profile team-mates such as Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao. The claims that United could pay Ronaldo incredibly high wages to return is said to be having an unsettling effect.

United have first option on Ronaldo should Real Madrid opt to sell the 29-year-old.