Cristiano Ronaldo wanted at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal says Real Madrid likely won’t sell

MANCHESTER United manger Louis van Gaal wants to get Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, with the superstar continuing to be linked with a return.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates winning the Barclays Premier League trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on May 16, 2009 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER United manger Louis van Gaal would like to get Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford but accepts that Real Madrid would be reluctant to sell the Portuguese winger.

There has been renewed speculation that United could make a move for the 29-year-old, who left Old Trafford for the Spanish capital in an STG80 million ($A146 million) move in 2009.

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has claimed Ronaldo is disillusioned with life at the Bernabeu due to the club’s transfer policy.

Van Gaal likened Ronaldo to Radamel Falcao, who has joined United on loan from Monaco, as a top player that United would always be keen to sign.

But he concedes that Real, who gave Ronaldo a new five-year contract 12 months ago, would be unlikely to allow him to leave.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates victory in the Champions League with Man U.

Asked about the speculation, the Dutchman said: “Yes but it’s always a discussion in the papers and I don’t think the media shall buy Ronaldo.

“When it is possible, what I said with Falcao, players like Ronaldo give a lot extra to selection or to a team but I don’t think Real Madrid shall sell him.”

Colombia striker Falcao came off the bench for his debut in the 4-0 Premier League win over QPR last weekend - United’s first competitive victory under van Gaal.

The United boss started that game with Juan Mata playing behind Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, with Angel di Maria in a deeper midfield role.

Van Gaal was adamant that Falcao and van Persie were not simply in a straight fight for one of the forward berths alongside Wayne Rooney.

“We have five players for the two striker positions and I have to choose,” he said.

Defender Chris Smalling is set to return from a groin problem at Leicester on Sunday.

After starting the campaign with a 3-5-2 system, van Gaal has suggested he may continue with a 4-3-3 shape in order to accommodate as many attacking players as possible.

Van Gaal claims the addition of di Maria and Falcao make it a more suitable formation but insists he can still adapt to any situation.

Originally published as Cristiano Ronaldo wanted at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal says Real Madrid likely won’t sell