Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal appears to open door to move for former United star before calling it off

Van Gaal admitted that he and the fans would like to see Ronaldo back at Old Trafford, but

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Manchester City (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal appeared to open the door for Manchester United to make a move for Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, before immediately slamming it shut again.

Van Gaal held a round table interview with a number of national newspapers to discuss all things United ahead of the new Premier League season, just a day after seeing his side beat Champions League holders Real Madrid 3-1 in a pre-season friendly in the United States.

With Angel Di Maria set to leave United this week in a £45.9m move to Paris Saint-Germain, Van Gaal admitted that he is in the market for a top quality player despite already making five new signings this summer – the latest of which saw goalkeeper Sergio Romero join on a free transfer late last night.

But just like the past two seasons, links with Ronaldo refused to go away despite United selling the Portugal international six years ago for a then record £80m fee. Van Gaal accepted questions on a possible move for Ronaldo, but just seconds after hinting a move could be made, he insisted Ronaldo will not be coming back to Old Trafford this summer.

“He may come,” said Van Gaal. “But it is not possible.”

When asked if United fans would love to see a former crowd favourite and current Ballon d’Or winner return to the Theatre of Dreams, Van Gaal added: “Yeah, of course. But that’s not possible. Why not? Because you have the club, Ronaldo and then you have Manchester United and how much Manchester United want to spend.”

Louis van Gaal speaks during a press conference in the United States (Getty Images)

Suggestions that Ronaldo could return to the Premier League arose last week when the 30-year-old was seen fuming at new Real manager Rafa Benitez’s training method, after he called his decision to make the squad play the crossbar challenge “s***”.

Ronaldo also fumed at Benitez’s refereeing skills during a training game after he had a goal ruled out, but the Spaniard said afterwards that this was only due to Ronaldo’s competitive streak, and played down any rift between the two.