Will Cristiano Ronaldo really return to Manchester United this summer?

Updated 24/07/2015 at 14:27 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with an astonishing return to Manchester United, according to media reports, but could it really happen? We try to separate fact from fiction as we look at the reasons for and against the possible return of the Portuguese forward.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (C) attends a team training session at the International Champions Cup football tournament in Melbourne on July 23, 2015.

Image credit: AFP

2008-09 Premier League Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Wayne Rooney

Image credit: PA Photos

Reasons why he 'might'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal likes him.
United fans like him.
He likes United.
Davie Moyes is no longer United manager.
He will be handed the number seven shirt.
He scored 118 goals and won several Premier Leagues and the Champions League at United.
He doesn't like new manager Rafael Benitez's training drills. He officially thinks they are "sh*t".
Benitez only described him as "one of the best" not "the best" player in the world. Which is very hurtful. When you are Ronaldo.
He has suggested in the past he would be open to a return to Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney brings out the best in him. Gareth Bale doesn't.
He might cost less than the £80 million they received from Madrid six years ago.
United don't have Wonga or Sports Direct as their main sponsors.

Liga

Costa is better than Neymar and Hazard, says Filipe Luis

13/10/2017 at 07:20

Reasons why he will probably not

Ronaldo has scored 112 goals for Real Madrid in two seasons - they can't replace him.
There is a risk Manchester United might not qualify for the Champions League - would he fancy the Europa League?
He can't continue his annual joust with Lionel Messi as he chases a fourth Ballon d'Or.
He prefers Spanish weather to the gloom of Northern England.
Despite being 30, he will cost at least £70m.
He has a contract at Madrid until 2018.
He can't really work on his tan in Manchester.
He is a football icon at Real Madrid with 313 goals, feted in the Spanish capital like Alfredo Di Stefano. He is close to becoming the greatest player in the club's history. Would he really give that up?
His mentor Sir Alex Ferguson is no longer manager at Old Trafford.
There appears to be little substance to the story in the Manchester Evening News. Or any quotes from any reliable sources in the media suggesting it could be credible.