Falcao and Di Maria Helping Manchester United Fans Finally Get over Ronaldo Loss

Cristiano Ronaldo has been at it again.

Batting his eyelids towards Old Trafford, as a pretty girl might do to a spell-bound suitor across a crowded bar.

It's not the first time.

Before Real Madrid met Manchester United in Michigan during the summer, he hinted to the Manchester Evening News he might end up back at his former club one day:

"

Of course, it was one of my favourite clubs, Manchester, everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I should speak about Manchester United, I love it there.

I was 18-years-old, I win everything there. The people treat me like a god there so I appreciate it and in the future nobody knows.

"

Then, this week, the Portuguese forward flew another wink across the bar, once again reported by the Manchester Evening News:

"

I love Manchester.

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.

I am happy here in Real Madrid and have four more years, but in the future you never know because they treated me unbelievably there.

"

The two interviews were conducted a little over a month apart. But they have drawn different responses from United fans.

When Ronaldo flirted with them during the summer tour, Ed Woodward and Louis van Gaal had only managed to add Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw to the squad.

But as the 29-year-old spoke in Madrid this week, United supporters were still blinking in disbelief at pictures of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao holding up Red shirts on the Old Trafford pitch.

Ronaldo will always have a hold over United fans. After 118 goals in 292 games, three Premier League titles and a Champions League, how could he not?

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

He made no secret of his desire to one day leave United for Real Madrid. But he made sure he left in the right way. 

His name is still sung regularly by the Stretford End. He was given a hero's welcome when he returned in the Champions League in 2013. He still counts Sir Alex Ferguson as a close personal friend.

If he decided to do more than just talk about a return to United, he'd be welcomed back with open arms. Let's be honest, he's one of the best players in the world. He'd be welcome anywhere.

But ever since he left for the Bernabeu in 2009, there has always been a hint of desperation in United's desire to have him back.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

After a fortnight which has seen them sign Di Maria and Falcao to add to Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, that appears to have gone.

Of course, the fans would like him back. It's probably safe to say Van Gaal would, as well. 

But there are new superstars at Old Trafford now. Pretty girls across the bar don't look quite as pretty when you've got two others on your arm.

Ronaldo talks of his "love" for United. But after the relationship broke up five years ago, he moved on pretty quickly. 

For United fans, it's taken a little longer. But now they're smiling again. And it's got nothing to do with a few carefully ambiguous words from an old flame.